Mike Brown, New York Knicks
Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images
Mike Brown, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks aren’t expected to make any major moves this summer. However, they do have enough room on the roster to potentially add a veteran contributor on a minimum deal.
In recent weeks, both Ben Simmons and Malcolm Brogdon have been floated as potential additions to the rotation. On August 9, SNY’s Davic Vertsberger threw Russell Westbrook‘s name into that hat, too.
Vertsberger suggested Westbrook as a long-shot option due to the impact he made for the Denver Nuggets and the lack of injury history associated with the former MVP.
“Westbrook looks like a long shot, given rumors don’t tie him to New York and there’s no clear path to consistent minutes in this rotation,” Versberger wrote. “With that being said, he’s proven much more impactful than Brogdon or Simmons in recent years, and would be an absolute firecracker of an add if the Knicks pulled it off.”
Vertsberger continued.
“What Westbrook’s lost in athleticism and scoring efficiency, he’s learned to make up for with his defensive tenacity and high-motor play. He does not take a play, let alone a game, off, and is always full tempo when he’s on the court. ”
Westbrook is currently an unrestricted free agent. He enjoyed a strong season with the Nuggets during their 2024-25 campaign. In 75 outings, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists, shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from deep.
Westbrook’s Health Would be Key
Unlike Simmons and Brodgon, Westbrook doesn’t bring a host of health concerns with him. While it’s true that his overall game has declined in recent years, he’s still an impactful member of a rotation. He’s capable of spelling minutes off the bench or sliding into a starting lineup.
Furthermore, if Mike Brown is aiming to increase the pace of play for New York, Westbrook would fit right in. Even now, at 36 years old, Westbrook is at his best when ripping rebounds off the glass and turning the jets on in transition.
So, while Simmons would be the swing on potential upside, and Brogdon has proven himself as a bench contributor, Westbrook’s ability to remain on the court could be a key factor in a potential push to bring him to New York. Of course, if that does become the case, Knicks fans must accept him for the player he is now, rather than expecting the MVP who once dominated the NBA.
Knicks Urged to Consider Kevin Love
If the Knicks opt against adding another guard to their rotation, Jeremy Brener of “Knicks on SI,” believes the franchise should consider adding Kevin Love. The veteran forward was recently traded to the Utah Jazz, where he is expected to eventually have the remainder of his contract bought out.