Knicks predicted to cut ties with point guard, acquire $3.6 million former Thunder MVP

Knicks predicted to cut ties with point guard, acquire $3.6 million former Thunder MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Despite regularly being involved in trade rumors, the New York Knicks chose not to make a beneficial trade in 2024-25.

It all worked out in the end for New York, though, as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 seasons.

However, could the Knicks pull the trigger on a deal they believe could help steer them in the right direction in 2025-26?

DailyKnicks’ Kris Pursiainen believes so, predicting that the organization will trade a 6-foot-2 point guard and acquire a former 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.”

While Westbrook cut it close after spending the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, the UCLA product eventually found a new home, inking a deal with the Kings before the start of the new season.

Westbrook’s best years were undoubtedly with the Thunder, as the explosive and passionate 6-foot-4 guard, earning eight All-Star nods, two scoring titles, three assist titles, two All-NBA first team selections, and one MVP with the franchise during his 11-year stint.

However, at age 37, the former lottery pick can still impact games with his infectious energy on both ends and serviceable playmaking in a reserve role.

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.

Considering Westbrook is capable of delivering the goods off the bench, and Kolek has yet to earn consistent minutes with the Knicks, a midseason guard swap should be on the table for New York.

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