NY Knicks: Pros, Cons of trading for Russell Westbrook

Should the New York Knicks entertain the idea of trading for Russell Westbrook?

New York Knicks fans have grown accustom to having their favorite basketball team attached to every star player that comes up in trade rumors. So why should it be any different when it comes to Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook?

With long-tenured team architect Daryl Morey leaving his position with the Rockets, reports are starting to circulate about the possibility of the Knicks scratching the surface on a trade for the triple double machine. SNY reported last week that New York would “poke around” a potential deal for Westbrook if the Rockets were to make him available.

The 31-year-old veteran is owed more than $132 million over the next three years. While the Knicks have plenty of financial flexibility to add salary this offseason, acquiring Westbrook would quickly evaporate their excess cap space for years to come.

It’s unclear if Houston will look to deal the star point guard, but if they do, not many teams can absorb a contract of that size. As a rebuilding franchise playing in a marquee market, it’s easy to see why New York is considered a possible landing spot for the future Hall-of-Fame point guard.

However, there are many reasons why trading for Westbrook would be a mistake for the Knicks. Let’s examine a few of the reasons why team president Leon Rose should stay away from such a deal, while considering the positive.