The New York Knicks have one roster spot left that they can use to sign a veteran player. There have been a few names tossed regarding who they should sign for the 2025-26 NBA season. One of the names that has been mentioned that the Knicks could target is Russell Westbrook. The veteran guard remains a free agent after one season playing for the Denver Nuggets.
With the Nuggets, he was a reserve point guard, appearing in 75 games. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 44.9% shooting. In the playoffs, the nine-time All-Star was one of the most productive players off the bench for Denver, averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
With his experience, Westbrook could be the perfect fit for the contending Knicks team. However, SNY’s David Vertsberger shut down the potential of the New York team adding the explosive guard.
Westbrook might have trouble finding a spot in the New York Knicks’ rotation, Vertsberger pointed out.
“Westbrook looks like a long shot, given rumors don’t tie him to New York and there’s no clear path to consistent minutes in this rotation. With that being said, he’s proven much more impactful than Brogdon or Simmons in recent years, and would be an absolute firecracker of an add if the Knicks pulled it off,” Vertsberger wrote.
“These are valuable things to bring off your bench, especially in a limited role on a small deal, it’s just unlikely Westbrook takes one with three guards ahead of him on the depth chart. Fun to think about, especially in the context of a slower Knicks team, but not much else to consider here.”
ESPN’s Mark Jones believes the New York Knicks can reach the NBA Finals
The New York Knicks were close to reaching the NBA Finals during the 2025 playoffs. However, they encountered the Indiana Pacers, who were in the middle of a historic postseason run. This led to them getting eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals.
This summer, the Knicks added reinforcement and kept their core players to continue competing for the NBA championship. ESPN’s Mark Jones said recently that he believes the Knicks has what it takes to win in the East and be in the Finals next season.
“I think the Knicks have the roster to win the east,” Jones said. “Espescially when I look at the incremental improvements that Mike [Brown] can make. I think Mike — knowing him — is way ahead of the game in New York, he’s already done his homework.”
"The Knicks have the roster to WIN THE EAST next year… Mike Brown is already ahead of the game in NY." 🔥🗽
– ESPN broadcaster, Mark Jones
Depth is real. 7–10 in the rotation? Be ready. pic.twitter.com/hgE6FpKDsh
— Knicks Fan TV 🏀🎥📺🏁 (@KnicksFanTv) August 10, 2025
With the East being “open,” the Knicks could take advantage of it and be the best team in the conference.
For other sports-related content:
Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
