The New York Knicks have done a lot this summer to turn their Eastern Conference Finals appearance last year into even more success in 2025-26.
But with still one final roster spot to fill, they remain in the hunt to land former MVP and free agent Russell Westbrook. The Knicks had interest in the former Denver Nuggets player earlier this summer, and as he’s still unsigned, they could add Westbrook as a backup point guard for Jalen Brunson.
“The New York Knicks addressed a lack of depth in the backcourt by adding the recently bought out Jordan Clarkson, but they were reportedly interested in Russ in July, and he could still provide a boost to the team’s playmaking,” Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report wrote.
Last season with the Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 75 regular-season games, coming off the bench in most of his appearances. A move to the Knicks would likely make Westbrook the secondary ball handler behind Brunson.
Westbrook’s Fit In New York
Though nearly a decade after his MVP-winning season, Westbrook remains an impactful player on the offensive side of the ball. Despite coming off the bench, he ranked 17th in assists per game last year and was a spark plug for Denver’s second unit.
Westbrook was also on a veteran minimum deal with the Nuggets, meaning he would likely sign for a similar amount with the Knicks. His shooting remains questionable, but with New York’s shot-making and Westbrook’s ability to drive to the rim, it could prove to be a lethal combination.
“Particularly in lineups with lots of shooting from Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, Westbrook’s ability to get to the rim could be dangerous,” Bailey added. “Russ himself would obviously benefit from time surrounded by so much shooting, too. It’s tough for defenders to cheat off the three-point line when all those options are on the floor, which would certainly widen Russ’ driving lanes.”
Westbrook would also be the only other true point guard on the Knicks’ roster behind Brunson. They do have Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and now Clarkson, but the former MVP would be their only other player with deep experience at the point guard position. Brunson and Josh Hart were New York’s only players who averaged more than five assists per game in the regular season, meaning a Westbrook addition could drastically improve their ball movement.
Kings, Heat, And Bucks As Other Landing Spots
While Westbrook landing with the Knicks remains the most interesting outcome, the Sacramento Kings have emerged as the latest favorites to sign him.
“League sources consider the Sacramento Kings the most likely destination for Westbrook, who will turn 37 during the first month of the season,” Tim McMahon of ESPN wrote in mid-August. “If that’s the case, Westbrook would likely come off the bench again and share ballhandling duties with free agency addition Dennis Schröder.”
While the Kings are the favorites to land Westbrook, Bailey highlighted that Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan thrive when surrounded by outside shooting. However, he noted that Westbrook shot well last season, and his playmaking could be valuable to a team like Sacramento, which also only has one true point guard.
“Westbrook doesn’t bring the outside shooting that lineups with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis need, but he did hit 43.9 percent of his three-point attempts from the corners in 2024-25,” Bailey wrote. “More importantly, he can have an impact as a driver against second units when Schröder is off the floor.”
Bailey also mentioned the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks as the other two top options to land Westbrook.
“Having a real, veteran point guard on the (Heat) roster could stabilize a second unit that figures to include lots of younger talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Davion Mitchell,” he wrote.
“And if he was there, it’s not like Milwaukee would have to shoehorn him into playing time with Giannis. In fact, he could be a good option for the non-Giannis minutes,” Bailey added on a potential Bucks move. “Surrounded by shooters like Green, Trent, Taurean Prince and/or Myles Turner, Westbrook could still cause some issues for Eastern Conference defenses.”
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