The New York Knicks are reportedly on the short list of viable trade destinations for Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook, The New York Times‘ Marc Stein reports.
Stein says the potential for a deal hinges on the Knicks’ willingness to absorb the $130-plus million remaining on the final three years of Westbrook’s contract. Westbrook also holds a $46.662 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
On Wednesday, The Athletic‘s Shams Charania reported that Westbrook wants out of Houston after just one season there.
Westbrook, who turned 32 on Thursday, averaged predictably flashy stats to the tune of 27.2 points per game, 7.9 rebounds and seven assists this past year with the Rockets.
But part of his desire to move on from Houston, according to Charania, is rooted in Westbrook’s preference to return to the floor-general role he previously held with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
If the Knicks deal for Westbrook, they would almost certainly feature a backcourt of the former MVP and rising Canadian star RJ Barrett.
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