TL;DR
- New York Knicks reached Eastern Conference Finals first time in 25 years.
- Knicks may trade a 6-foot-2 point guard for former Oklahoma City Thunder MVP.
- Russell Westbrook, eligible to be traded after January 16, 2026, could join New York.
- A trade involving Tyler Kolek for Westbrook is considered feasible for the Knicks.
Even though the New York Knicks was frequently part of trade speculation, they opted against a profitable trade during the 2024-25 season.
Ultimately, things concluded favorably for New York, securing their progression to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century.
But might the Knicks decide to make a trade they feel could guide them toward success in the 2025-26 season?
Kris Pursiainen of DailyKnicks shares this view, forecasting that the team will trade a 6-foot-2 point guard and bring in a past Oklahoma City Thunder MVP.
“(Russell) Westbrook signed a one-year, $3.6 million veteran's minimum deal with the Sacramento Kings near the end of the offseason, bringing an end to a lengthy free agency for the nine-time All-Star,” Pursiainen wrote Monday.
“The recently-signed restriction on his deal does not allow him be dealt at any time before January 16, 2026. However, with all other factors standing, the Knicks would be able to offer Tyler Kolek, currently making $2.1 million and signed for several more seasons, to a team-friendly rate, deal in exchange for Westbrook.”
“The swap would only leave New York approximately $43,000 of space underneath the '2nd Apron,' but they would not go above it despite Westbrook making more than Kolek.”
Westbrook's decision came late after he spent the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, but the former UCLA player ultimately secured a new team, signing with The Kings prior to the new season's commencement.
During his 11 years with The Thunder, Westbrook, an explosive and passionate 6-foot-4 guard, had his most impressive seasons, achieving eight All-Star selections, two scoring championships, three assist championships, two All-NBA first team selections, and one MVP award.
Even at 37, the former lottery selection can still influence contests with his contagious enthusiasm on both offense and defense, alongside capable playmaking as a reserve.
Westbrook is averaging 13.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists with the Kings so far this year, shooting 44.4% from the field and a career-best 38.9% from three-point land.
Given Westbrook's potential to contribute effectively from the bench, and Kolek's current lack of consistent playing time with The Knicks, New York should consider a guard trade during the season.
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