New York Knicks: Pursue or pass on 3 huge trade rumors

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass: Trade for Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s contract is the ultimate NBA albatross at this point. With three years and a staggering $132 million remaining on the deal, the Houston Rockets are in a tough spot after he requested a trade earlier this week.

He can absolutely be a contributor in the NBA, at least to a certain point. Westbrook has major needs with any team, however. He would like to be “the man” once again, the lead ball-handler and do-everything guy, much like he was in OKC before sharing the stage with James Harden in Houston. That requires a roster tailored to his strengths and glaring weaknesses, much like the Rockets did last trade deadline by going entirely small and trading or waiving every big on the roster.

The Knicks are positioning themselves to be a young, up-and-coming roster, and Russell Westbrook could only hamper that trajectory, in addition to removing them from competing in the free agent bonanza of 2021, when names like defending MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will be on the open market.

Westbrook may indeed still have a place in the NBA, but it absolutely should not be with the New York Knicks.

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