NBA Insider Wants New York Knicks to Sign 9x All-Star

The New York Knicks, despite reaching the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals and positioning themselves for another deep playoff run, have undergone significant offseason changes. This comes amid an Eastern Conference landscape made more open by long-term injuries to key rivals: Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton both suffered Achilles injuries during the playoffs, with the Celtics reportedly offering support to the Pacers due to their shared experience.

The Knicks made major moves, including firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and replacing him with Mike Brown. They also reshaped their roster while retaining their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. Key bench additions include Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, strengthening the team after their conference finals appearance.

Projected for the 2026 season, the Knicks' roster includes Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, and Tyler Kolek at point guard; Mikal Bridges and Jordan Clarkson at shooting guard; Josh Hart and Pacome Dadiet at small forward; OG Anunoby and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward; and Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Ariel Hukporti at center.

Despite these improvements, the Knicks may not be finished building, as they have open roster spots and are linked to future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook. The 36-year-old point guard remains an unrestricted free agent after declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets, with no decision yet on his next team.

While the Sacramento Kings are considered frontrunners for Westbrook, mutual interest exists between him and the Knicks, as reported by Knicks insider Ian Begley. The Knicks could offer the $5 million taxpayer exception or a veteran's minimum contract to facilitate a deal.

Analyst Rachel Nichols highlighted Westbrook as an ideal fit for New York, stating the Knicks "need a guy like him" to fill a veteran energy role and that fans would embrace him. She emphasized, however, that any signing would require buy-in from the existing players, not just the front office.

Westbrook, a polarizing figure, rebuilt his league image during his season with the Nuggets. While a return to Denver is seen as favorable, a move to a major market like New York is also viewed as a logical step for the veteran guard.