Jan 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New Report on Russell Westbrook Potentially Leaving Nuggets for Contender

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:11 PM ET

NBA free agency is just hours away, as rumors continue to come out about where the top free agents in this 2025 class could end up. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs continue to be mentioned in rumors for the top available players.

As for the Denver Nuggets, they could be seeing the end of the Russell Westbrook era after just one season. After a good regular season, Westbrook underperformed against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the postseason, and rumors of a Bruce Brown return could mean his time is up. According to a new report, a top title contender is eyeing the former MVP guard.

The Knicks are expected to show interest in Russell Westbrook, per @TheSteinLine

“Add the Pelicans, Knicks and Timberwolves to the ever-growing list of teams said to be in the market for veteran guards. The Knicks, in fact, are said to be a possible destination — in addition to… pic.twitter.com/f1laglsKP7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2025

According to NBA Insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the New York Knicks are emerging as a possible destination for Westbrook.

"Add the Pelicans, Knicks and Timberwolves to the ever-growing list of teams said to be in the market for veteran guards. The Knicks, in fact, are said to be a possible destination — in addition to Sacramento and a potential return to Denver — for Russell Westbrook," he wrote.

Russell Westbrook has emerged as a potential free agent target for the Knicks and Al Horford is a top target for Golden State, league sources tell @JakeLFischer and me.

LOTS more here in this What We're Hearing compilation as the 6 PM ET bell draws near: https://t.co/bZDtCeAViL pic.twitter.com/sgJ9aSIgjY
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2025

It's clear that after their postseason performance against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks need more depth around their starting lineup. While Westbrook is a player who has had his ups and downs in his career, he would be an immediate upgrade over the likes of Delon Wright and Cam Payne.

As also mentioned in the report, the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves could express interest, but the Knicks likely provide a better pathway to minutes for the nine-time NBA All-Star.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: