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Russell Westbrook prediction should be viewed as joke by Knicks

By Jordanna Clark

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers falls after stealing the ball from Julius Randle #30 and Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers falls after stealing the ball from Julius Randle #30 and Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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It’s the offseason, which means that the Russell Westbrook to the New York Knicks “rumors” have already started circulating. At this point it seems like even when Westbrook is retired, there are still going to be people out there pushing the Russ-Knicks agenda.

After a lousy year and a half with the Lakers, Westbrook signed with the other NBA team that calls Crypto.com Arena home, the Clippers. In the 21 regular season games that he played to close out the season, he averaged a respectable 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from three.

He saw the most success he’s had in a while in LA’s first-round playoff series against Phoenix when he averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in five games.

Westbrook will be an unrestricted free agent this year. He’s seemingly found a home with the Clippers and it wouldn’t be surprising at all if LA were to re-sign him. He’d get to remain in Southern California, which is where he grew up and went to college. Still, that hasn’t prevented the guard from being linked to the Knicks.

The Russell Westbrook to the New York Knicks agenda needs to be stopped

With all due respect to Russell Westbrook, when is it ever going to end? The Knicks’ main priority this offseason needs to be adding shooters to their roster, and Westbrook doesn’t fit that description. Not to mention, New York already has its point guard of the future in Jalen Brunson. Behind Brunson is Immanuel Quickley, a young player that the Knicks could sign to an extension this summer.

Westbrook’s performance in the playoffs could’ve upped his free agency value, but his new contract will probably be in the range of a team’s mid-level exception, around $12 million. The Knicks’ books are already tight and New York’s priorities should be signing Josh Hart to a new contract if he opts out of his player option and then giving Quickley an extension. That doesn’t leave room for Westbrook.

The good news for Knicks fans is that although the front office likely hasn’t even thought about signing Westbrook, odds are pointing toward him remaining with the Clippers. In a few weeks, the Russ to New York noise should be over, that is until his name is back in trade talks or his next contract is up.

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