Does Russell Westbrook fit into the New York Knicks’ rebuilding plans?
I think it’s safe to say that New York Knicks fans are used to the same offseason narrative: there are always rumors about a big star potentially wearing the orange and blue after some sort of blockbuster trade.
While fans seem ready to consider these talks a bluff once again, I’m here to tell you that it’s important to keep your eyes peeled to the Houston Rockets situation to see if they follow through and deal star point guard Russell Westbrook. Believe it or not, the Knicks would be an intriguing fit.
Russell Westbrook is the best trade option on the market
It’s easy to conclude in this early portion of the offseason that the Knicks are definitely hearing out other teams when it comes to trading for an All-Star.
We’ve seen names like Chris Paul and Victor Oladipo in the mix, and most recently Russell Westbrook, the 31-year-old point guard for the Houston Rockets.
If the Knicks had their best interests at heart, I would definitely get away from any Chris Paul conversation. Paul will turn 36 next year and he will be in the last year of his contract. In addition to this, depending on what you believe on Twitter, the Knicks have a deal lined up for CP3 that would trade Elfrid Payton, Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Bobby Portis, along with TWO second round picks for the aging superstar.
Chris Paul, Knicks trade that I had heard NY had lined up was: Elfrid Payton, Bobby Portis, Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, 2021 2nd round pick via Hornets & 2021 2nd round pick via Mavs in exchange for CP3. pic.twitter.com/mXdcrbXRR7
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 16, 2020
To me, this is way too much of a return for the Thunder, and at the end of the day, the Knicks would be dealing a good portion of their young core for a veteran who is past his prime and probably wouldn’t be very effective, let alone on the team for more than a few seasons.
With Houston seemingly entering a new phase after letting go of general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni, it’s likely the Knicks would be able to give up less for a player in Westbrook who still has plenty left in the tank.
Russell Westbrook adds spice to the floor and the locker room
I truly believe the Knicks can really benefit from is a player who holds people accountable when needed. While New York has been in the rebuilding process for years, no one has been able to rise up as a leader and set an example for the young neophytes.
Sure, Kristaps Porzingis was in the spotlight for half of a season, but the Knicks didn’t really have a veteran to help guide him as he attempted to gain stardom in New York.
If Russell Westbrook becomes a Knick, not only will New York gain an All-Star of a leader, but they will also add some much needed New York grit. Throughout this past season, Walt “Clyde” Frazier would say time-and-time-again that “people aren’t afraid to come to anymore.” An intimidating player like Westbrook provides the Knick offense with a dominant force and someone who can take over a game.
While we have seen small signs of improvement, many people believe that a large problem with guys like Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina is that they aren’t aggressive enough up and down the floor. Westbrook provides a visual example of fire and desire for the young players and that’s a great way for him to be the aforementioned mentor on the team.
The Knicks need to win some games
Will Russell Westbrook single-handedly bring the Knicks to the Finals?
Highly unlikely. However, I worry that if New York is stuck as a bottom seed for too long, it will continue to impact their ability to attract free agents, or even keep their own players, such as RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson when their contracts come due.
While development is super important, I think playoff experience is severely undervalued for this franchise. Getting to the playoffs to eventually be eliminated could end up turning into motivation for this team, and also serve as a way to prove that the organization is competent so they can attract high-ranked free agents in the future.
Russell Westbrook, especially playing in the Eastern Conference, can most definitely get this Knicks team to the playoffs. And I find that to be a huge priority for this upcoming season.
I know this franchise is afraid of damaging the young core, but I feel like a risk is worth taking in order to spark the rebuild in a positive direction.