As veteran point guard Russell Westbrook navigates through free agency, initial reporting suggested that the New York Knicks could be a viable destination for him. However, the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy promptly pumped the brakes on the speculation.
Westbrook, coming off an up-and-down 17th season, his first with the Denver Nuggets, is widely expected to move on to his seventh team after an underwhelming 2025 playoff showing. Westbrook had a $3.4 million player option that he could have exercised, but he declined it in search of a new team instead.
While 3-point shooting and ball control concerns persist, the 2017 MVP remains a high-energy playmaker capable of providing value in bursts. That said, his options appear to be dwindling as Day 1 of free agency concludes.
Knicks Not Expected To Target Russell Westbrook Amid Impending Jordan Clarkson Signing
Ahead of free agency, SNY’s Ian Begley reported on the possibility of Westbrook landing in New York.
“There will be mutual interest between veteran guard Russell Westbrook and the Knicks when free agency opens, as Knicks are one of several teams who will have interest in Westbrook,” Begley wrote. “Knicks currently have the $5M taxpayer exception and the veteran’s minimum exception to offer free agents.”
However, after news broke that recently bought-out combo guard Jordan Clarkson intends to sign with the Knicks, Bondy dashed hopes of Westbrook following suit. According to the New York insider, the Eastern Conference finalists can no longer accommodate the nine-time All-Star’s desire for a sizable bench role.
“From what I’m hearing, I wouldn’t expect the Knicks to sign Russell Westbrook,” Bondy wrote. “There’s no clear path to sustained playing time for him on this roster, and he’s not the type to sit comfortably on the bench.”
From what I’m hearing, I wouldn’t expect the Knicks to sign Russell Westbrook. There’s no clear path to sustained playing time for him on this roster and he’s not the type to sit comfortably on the bench.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) July 1, 2025
In addition to Clarkson’s expected arrival, New York has star Jalen Brunson soaking up the majority of its point guard minutes. The two-time All-Star averaged 35.4 minutes per game this past season. Meanwhile, fourth-year guard Miles McBride remains in the mix for backup minutes.
Given Westbrook’s well-documented struggles as an off-ball player and inability to consistently space the floor, he likely wouldn’t be the best fit. As such, the Knicks appear better suited to prioritize addressing other roster needs, including fortifying their frontcourt depth.
As for Westbrook’s other options, he has been linked to the Sacramento Kings, who need proven point guards.
Across 75 outings with Denver, the nine-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.9%, including 32.3% from long distance.
