The New York Knicks are looking to round out their roster ahead of what should be one of their best seasons in the 21st century.
After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, New York should expect at least the same level of success since they're returning most of the core that got them there. Add in free agent additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, and their depth has been upgraded as well.
They have one final roster spot remaining, and while their eyes have reportedly been on a free agent guard, that player doesn't appear to be willing to play on the league minimum, which is all the Knicks can currently offer.
Russell Westbrook Reportedly Not Willing to Play on the Veteran Minimum
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire is reporting that while New York is willing to sign either Ben Simmons or Russell Westbrook to their last open roster spot, neither wants to play for the league minimum.
Unfortunately, that's the only contract the Knicks can provide for their final opening, as anything higher would put them above the dreaded second-apron.
"Look, this isn’t 2017 or 2019 anymore. If Westbrook goes unsigned, or Simmons, it’s not that big of a deal. You can find younger guys like them for cheaper." An unnamed scout told Amico. "It’s nothing personal. But everyone gets old, and with Simmons, there are some major flaws there that aren’t ever going away. So why not give someone else a try?"
While Westbrook would be a nice addition for the Knicks as the primary ball handler for their second unit, it remains unclear if that's a role the former MVP is willing to play at this point in his career.
"Westbrook is nearly a decade older than Simmons, a guaranteed Hall of Famer with an MVP and nine All-Star games under his belt, but he's garnered even less NBA interest this summer. He played one of his more positive seasons of the decade last year with the Denver Nuggets, but the volatility and usage that comes with his name makes for a somewhat-undesirable sales pitch to a team like the Knicks with no shortage of stars and scorers." Wrote Sports Illustrated's Henry Brown.
The former UCLA star may be taking himself out of consideration for the Knicks, but they still have plenty of other options available to them, including last year's postseason contributors, Landry Shamet and Delon Wright.