These two teams would benefit the most by signing Russell Westbrook

Future Hall of Famer and current Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has reportedly emerged as a potential free agent target for the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors after having declined his player option a few weeks ago, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein. Is the former NBA MVP on the move yet again? 

Westbrook spent this past season with the Nuggets and aided them to the semifinal round in the 2025 postseason. Westbrook appeared in 75 games last season and averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists, having come off the bench for Denver and led the team's second unit. It's worth mentioning that the 2008 first-round pick averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 36 games as a starter when Jamal Murray was unavailable due to injury. 

As Westbrook enters his 18th NBA campaign, he is still a solid enough asset to aid a team aiming to contend for a championship. The Knicks, who made it to the Eastern Conference Finals this past year, could use Westbrook to lead the second unit for the Knicks. The Denver guard is known for his up-tempo, aggressive play style and can bring a spark off the bench. Westbrook's ability to push pace, facilitate and garner defensive pressure on guards would be valuable for New York.

Westbrook would also bring valuable playoff experience to a team that lacks in that department. The 6-foot-4 guard has made 11 postseason appearances, which included four Western Conference Finals appearances and an NBA Finals berth in 2012. Outside of players such as Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges, there isn't much postseason basketball experience in the lineup.

As of now, the Knicks haven't replaced Tom Thibodeau for their head-coaching position, but whoever the Knicks bring in, he would have to know how to get the most out of the 2017 MVP. 

As for Golden State, Westbrook could fit in Steve Kerr's offense, given that he has embraced his role as no longer being the No. 1 option. Westbrook has shown during his time in Denver that he is no longer the ultra-ball-dominant bulldog he once was. 

Kerr having a proven backup alongside Brandin Podziemski who is still developing and Jonathan Kuminga's future unclear, makes for this potential signing appetizing. The addition of Westbrook would be confounding, as it's worth mentioning that Westbrook and Stephen Curry were very much rivals earlier in their careers. 

As Curry, Green, and Butler enter the twilight years of their careers, the Warriors franchise should be open to doing whatever it takes to earn at least one more championship. The 36-year-old guard gives the Warriors more veteran presence and rounds out a playoff-tested core, as all four players have been to the NBA Finals. 

The biggest reason why the Knicks and Warriors are highly interested in Westbrook is that he will come at a cheap price. Neither Golden State nor New York won't have much room to work with in free agency and getting a solid backup for a minimum deal is a steal. 

No, Westbrook wouldn't be the final piece that puts the Knicks and Warriors over the top, but his energy and presence can certainly be a positive.