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New York Knicks Linked to Former NBA MVP in Free Agency: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 4:33 PM ET

The New York Knicks have had an interesting offseason thus far after making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 last season.

Of course, New York began their offseason by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and they are still searching for a new head coach with free agency beginning on Monday.

New York had only one selection in the 2025 NBA Draft as they drafted Mohamed Diawarra 51st overall and then signed undrafted free agent Dink Pate following the draft.

Now the Knicks head into free agency with some key decisions to make as they look to upgrade their bench around their starting unit of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.

So far, the Knicks have been linked to many players entering free agency and another player was added to the list on Monday.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks are expected to show interest in former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook during free agency.

“Add the (New Orleans) Pelicans, Knicks and (Minnesota) Timberwolves to the ever-growing list of teams said to be in the market for veteran guards,” Stein wrote. “The Knicks, in fact, are said to be a possible destination — in addition to Sacramento (Kings) and a potential return to Denver (Nuggets) — for Russell Westbrook.”

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

Of course, Westbrook played a key role for the Nuggets off the bench last season as he was able to bounce back after disappointing seasons with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Though Westbrook is no longer the MVP caliber player that he was during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he would still provide a spark to the Knicks’ bench that they could desperately use next season.

The 36-year-old guard is a great scorer and was also able to improve from three-point range last season that could be a massive piece for a potential title run for New York next season in the weakened Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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