The New York Knicks must start a new era. It is an obligation. And it has already started, behind the scenes at least. The fire is lit, but fans have yet to see the flames. And if Russell Westbrook was the spark that Big Apple needed?
Selon Ian Begley de CUT, we learned this morning that Westbrook would be on the Knicks’ radar. Obviously, there is no indication at the moment that the leader of the Rockets is available for a trade. But the “dismissal” of Mike D’Antoni following the failure in the playoffs suggests that Houston wants to change direction.
Also, you don’t have to be a seasoned analyst to admit that the Harden – Westbrook duo didn’t really work out last season. Granted, it takes time for two players who carry the ball a lot (and have done so their entire careers) to strike a balance, but will the Houston executives take that time? Texan fans have been expecting more from their bearded MVP and their leaders for years. The money ball gave hope, but this last move with RW showed the limits of the system. So stop or else?
This is the question that must thrill the neurons of the Rockets at the moment and it is also certainly one of the reasons why the choice of their new coach is so long. Additionally, Westbrook’s disappointing performance during the playoffs raised concerns about the 3 years and $ 132.6 million (!!) remaining on his contract. In any case, the Knicks are visibly aware of this emerging doubt and are ready to draw.
The 5 stars the New York Knicks dream of
The New York franchise needs a superstar to revive. Last summer, Kevin Durant and co shunned Big Apple. At the next free agency, there is little chance that a big fish will be hooked, but a big trade is on the other hand not unthinkable.
What transfer between New York and Houston?
The Knicks have many assets to promote: young players (Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr, Kevin Knox, Elfrid Payton) with attractive salaries and real potential; confirmed players who can bring real added value to a content (Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson …) and an 8th draft pick which could be the icing on the cake.
Example of possible trade scenario:
- Houston sends Russell Westbrook to Knicks
- New York sends Julius Randle + Taj Gibson + Dennis Smith Jr + Kevin Knox + a draft round to the Rockets
In this scenario, the Rockets regain muscle and scoring in the racquet, allowing them to face Anthony Davis and the Lakers with a little more weapons than PJ Tucker alone while Smith and Knox bring the shoot and the speed on the wings.
All this is obviously very hypothetical, but we must admit that Russell Westbrook would be perfect in New York. Big mouth, big game, big presence, enormous intensity. Garden fans have been clamoring for this kind of player for over a decade. It is not with blows of JR Barrett and Kevin Knox that they will calm down. They need something solid, hateful, dense and violent. Russell Westbrook would be the perfect fit. We can already imagine the Knicks vs Nets derby with the shock Kevin Durant vs Russell Westbrook. Enough to set Gotham on fire!
Knicks: Thibodeau has unveiled his game plan and it smells good for Frank Ntilikina!
–
