As NBA free agency tips off today, June 30, the New York Knicks and Russell Westbrook reportedly have mutual interest in a potential pairing. According to SNY NBA insider Ian Begley, several teams are eyeing the nine-time All-Star, but the Knicks are emerging as a realistic landing spot.
Russell Westbrook and the New York Knicks Have Interest
Begley reports that the Knicks are expected to explore signing Westbrook. New York currently has a $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception and the veteran’s minimum available to offer.
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, league sources say. Knicks currently have the $5M tax-payer exception and the veteran’s minimum…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 30, 2025
Westbrook signed a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Denver Nuggets last July. Questions surrounded whether the former MVP could accept reduced minutes and responsibilities, but he proved doubters wrong with a strong campaign in Denver.
In 75 regular-season games (36 starts), Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, helping the Nuggets secure the No. 4 seed in a loaded Western Conference.
Despite some bright spots during the season, the veteran guard’s postseason production dipped. In Denver’s first-round, seven-game series loss to the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and Westbrook’s former team, he averaged 9.9 points on 34.8% shooting from the field, 21.9% from deep, and 69.6% from the line.
His continued playoff struggles raise valid questions about whether he can still produce on a contender in high-pressure moments.
On New York’s end, the Knicks had one of their best seasons in decades, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. While they fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games, the run reignited hope in New York.
In that series, the Knicks’ lack of scoring depth and reliable rotation players proved to be their Achilles’ heel. Then-head coach Tom Thibodeau leaned heavily on his starters and was criticized for not utilizing his bench more. A factor that may have contributed to his dismissal.
In contrast, the Pacers thrived with a deep rotation of nine or ten players. And in today’s NBA, depth often outweighs star power, and that’s where Westbrook could add real value for the Knicks.
While the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader could thrive in a reduced role as the backup to Knicks star Jalen Brunson, convincing him to accept a full-time bench role might not be straightforward. Outside of Brunson, there’s arguably no guard on the roster ahead of Westbrook, which could complicate things.
Still, a player with as much postseason experience as Westbrook has could favor New York in the playoffs.
