Russell Westbrook could be down to be a New York Knick.
It was reported on Wednesday that the 32-year-old wants out of Houston. On Friday, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that the Knicks are on the "short list of viable trade destinations" for Westbrook.
SNY's Ian Begley says that the Westbrook saw New York as a destination last summer when he was traded to Houston. The Knicks have considered trading for the guard, but are being careful in terms of what they would give up, according to Begley. Their thoughts on Westbrook are similar to how they feel when it comes to potentially trading for Chris Paul.
If the Knicks acquired Paul or Westbrook, several opposing teams expect them to look to construct a roster that can compete for a playoff spot, says Begley.
The Knicks have seven first-round picks over the next four drafts (including 2020) and two young players that several teams would have interest in (RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson). Could they deal for Westbrook and then have enough left over to trade for another top player? That's unclear, because we don't know what Houston wants in exchange for Westbrook. Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that the marketplace for a Westbrook trade was 'slow moving.'
Teams also expect the Los Angeles Clippers to explore a trade for Westbrook, Begley notes.
