Following Russell Westbrook’s trade request, the Houston Rockets were aiming to offload him soon. The New York Knicks were reportedly interested in bringing over the 2017 MVP, but those rumors have cooled down now.

According to NBA insider Ian Begley, the Knicks are no longer in talks for trading for Westbrook, for the same reason that they weren’t interested in signing Gordon Hayward. Begley wrote that President of Basketball Operations, Leon Rose “didn’t feel that the time was right to make a long-term financial commitment to a player in his prime like Hayward or, presumably, Westbrook.”

Begley also pointed out that the Knicks have now got five players on the roster who can play point guard. They signed Austin Rivers, Elfrid Payton, and Myles Powell, while they already had Dennis Smith Jr. and Frank Ntilikina. They have also drafted Immanuel Quickley who can play both guard positions. So avoiding Westbrook makes sense for them. But Begley hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a trade.

Kentucky’s Coach Calipari Has a Special Message for Critics of New York Knicks

Are the New York Knicks headed in the right direction?

The Knicks started their off-season with a good showing in the 2020 Draft. With their #8 overall pick, they selected New York native Obi Toppin. The 22-year-old won every major individual award in the 2019-20 season, including the Wooden Award and the AP Player of the Year. Although he is one of the older prospects from the draft, getting him with the 8th pick is a steal.

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The Knicks also got rid of players on bad contracts like Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington, and Taj Gibson. But despite clearing all of this cap space, they haven’t had the best signings. Getting Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks on cheap deals was a good move, but signings Rivers and Payton when they had so many guards is questionable.

However, the Knicks made the right decision by not chasing Hayward and chose to keep their books clear for the upcoming seasons. They are now in a prime position to tank again. They can also flip these players at the trade deadline to contenders, who need strong role players for playoffs. Even if they are able to get second-round picks, it will be helpful for the future.

Despite their poor FA signings, the Knicks seem like they are heading for a better future. The front office is doing their part, and now the players and coaches have to step up too.

NBA Draft 2020: Will Obi Toppin Help the New York Knicks Become a Threat?