The Denver Nuggets have retooled their roster this summer, and a familiar face in Russell Westbrook isn’t expected back.
Westbrook spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Nuggets on a veteran minimum deal, finishing with averages of 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 27.9 minutes per game in 75 regular-season appearances. After falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, the former MVP declined his player option for the 2025-26 campaign and will presumably land with his fourth team in four years.
The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles is likely nearing the end of his career, yet he’s still seeking his first NBA championship.
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Russell Westbrook could be heading East
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently highlighted the most likely candidates to sign the nine-time All-Star, naming the New York Knicks as a potential landing spot.
“The New York Knicks addressed a lack of depth in the backcourt by adding the recently bought out Jordan Clarkson, but they were reportedly interested in Russ in July, and he could still provide a boost to the team’s playmaking,” he wrote. “Particularly in lineups with lots of shooting from Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, Westbrook’s ability to get to the rim could be dangerous.”
Westbrook would likely take on a reduced role with New York alongside Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride in the second unit, while getting an opportunity to pursue his first title in his age-37 season.
Coming off an Eastern Conference finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks are positioned as one of the top teams in a wide-open Eastern Conference. The veteran playmaker would pair well with the club’s talented shooters in its quest for a title, giving the team another floor general while Jalen Brunson is on the bench.
The Knicks have also been linked to Landry Shamet and Ben Simmons, but Westbrook could be another name to watch as the regular season approaches.
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