Russell Westbrook Unlikely To Sign With Knicks Or Kings

[RealGM Wiretap]

Russell Westbrook has received interest from the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings, but both teams now appear unlikely to be able to sign him. The Knicks had interest, but instead have signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency.

The Kings considered executing a sign-and-trade for Dennis Schroder, but they will now sign him outright and that now makes also signing Westbrook complicated because Malik Monk remains in what would currently be a crowded backcourt.

Westbrook spent last season with the Denver Nuggets and had some strong moments, but generally uneven play. The Nuggets brought back Bruce Brown Jr. this offseason two seasons after helping them win the 2023 NBA championship.

Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes across 75 games with the Nuggets.

Via Marc Stein, Jake Fischer/The Stein Line

[Luv those Knicks]

NY is at risk of entering Dallas Mavericks territory of not having enough players, if they lose a few to injury (for those who remember what the Mavs dealt with towards the end of last season). I love the 2 guys they signed, but they have 12 guaranteed contracts and no space for #13, only rookie deals or two-way deals to fill out the rest of the roster.

A trade to create some cap room is always possible, but there aren't a ton of teams looking to give away cap room.