The New York Knicks are reportedly set to target Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook on or before next year's February trade deadline and could use Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis as trade pieces to get the All-Star point guard.
Wild trade rumors involving the five-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP to a deal with the Knicks has been circling around the internet recently, although it seems highly illogical since Westbrook just signed a new three-year, $86 million contract with the Thunder this summer.
Furthermore, Sportsrageous indicated that mentioning a budding star like Porzingis in a trade for Westbrook, no matter how valuable the OKC point guard is, would "cause Knicks fans to revolt" as the 21-year-old Latvian is seen as one of the future pillars of the Big Apple squad.
The report also noted that any trade involving Westbrook is prohibited at the moment as it will only be allowed after the December 15 deadline has passed since the former UCLA standout had just signed a new deal, which means also trade rumors talking about him are baseless.
However, after the deadline passes and the Thunder assesses their situation in the first half of the upcoming season, it is not completely ruled out that OKC may decide to trade their lone superstar to try and build a new identity.
This would only be possible if Westbrook struggles in his first season without Durant, which is highly unlikely since the 27-year-old California native had already proven in the past that he can lead the team alone.
A higher spot in the playoffs would eliminate all possibilities of a Westbrook trade, but if the 2015 NBA scoring champion fails to lead his team to the postseason then it will be an entirely different matter.
The Knicks as a possible trade destination for Westbrook had been reported since July with NJ Advance Media saying that New York could send Carmelo Anthony and Rose's expiring contract to Oklahoma City could complete the deal. The article also mentioned that Porzingis and a future draft pick may also get the Thunder's approval, but all of the said scenarios are only suggestions.
It went on to say that New York has the "perfect culture" to fit Westbrook with his massive personality and affinity to fashion.
A Westbrook-Porzingis pairing is definitely a long-term solution for the Knicks while a Westbrook-Anthony duo would give a win-now opportunity for head coach Jeff Hornacek and company.