NBA agents believe the New York Knicks would have interest in All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, if he were made available by the Houston Rockets, according to a new report from SNY’s Ian Begley.
However, there has yet to be any indication that Rockets GM Daryl Morey would be willing to explore such a transaction.
In his latest notebook, Begley writes:
Some agents who represent top point guard free agents believe the Knicks would poke around on a potential Russell Westbrook trade if Houston makes him available. It’s worth noting that Westbrook, per sources, saw New York as a welcome landing spot last summer when Oklahoma City was talking to teams about potential trades.
Westbrook’s work ethic and drive would have an impact on New York’s young players.
A few draft notes: teams earlier this month believed that the Knicks were looking to trade for a top 2020 pick; club is probably continuing to look into all of its options ahead of the draft; a note on NYK & Russell Westbrook: https://t.co/s4sHfSZjP9
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 14, 2020
Now 31 years old, Westbrook is under contract with the Rockets for at least two additional seasons (he has a player option on the third year).
A nine-time NBA All-Star and the league’s 2017 MVP, Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in his first season with the Rockets, including a career-best 47.2% shooting clip.
The Rockets have a clear “win now” emphasis, with franchise centerpiece and perennial MVP finalist James Harden now 31 years old, as well. Given that dynamic, as well as the close friendship between Harden and Westbrook and the status of New York’s young roster (the Knicks were just 21-45 last season), it’s hard to see how a deal between the teams would increase Houston’s championship odds in the 2020-21 season.
Nonetheless, should Morey and the Rockets ever decide to change their strategic course, New York’s interest could be a storyline worth remembering. Westbrook’s willingness to play there could also be key, since it’s unlikely that the Rockets would ever trade him somewhere against his will — given Westbrook’s desire to play in Houston.
For now, though, there doesn’t seem to be any traction.
