New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have been near the bottom of the NBA for years now and it is directly because of the choices management has made over the years. From the downfall of Carmelo Anthony in New York to trading away Kristaps Porzingis, nothing has gone right for this franchise over the years until now. 

Last year, they drafted R.J. Barrett 3rd overall, who has all the makings of being a potential All-Star, and they recently drafted Obi Toppin 7th overall. With these two guys being the future and other guys like Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle playing well in the frontcourt, the Knicks could be on to something, but need a solidified star player. 

Acquiring Russell Westbrook as a big first move for new Knicks’ President and GM Scott Perry would do wonders for the Knicks who have not had anything positive happen overall since making the playoffs in the 2012-13 NBA season. Not only does this open the doors for other All-Star caliber players to sign with the Knicks, but gives them a foundation to build upon in hopes of elevating this Knicks franchise back to the NBA Playoffs.

Not only do the New York Knicks need a superstar player, but they need to be willing to show potential All-Star free agents that they are legit. New York is a fantastic sports market and a lot of big name players would probably love to play for the Knicks, but nobody wants to go to a team that struggles to win 20 games every year.

While Russell Westbrook does have his enemies around the NBA and there are guys who would not want to play with him, there are just as many guys, potentially more, who do want to play with him. The Knicks have the cap space and the young talent to attract possible All-Star free agents, but they need the established star in Westbrook to lure these players towards them. 

It makes perfect sense for the Knicks to want to acquire and target Russell Westbrook and given that they need an All-Star on their roster, they should be willing to trade anyone other than Barrett and Toppin to get him.