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New York Knicks: 5 Reasons to Oppose Russell Westbrook Trade

By Maurice Moton

Nov 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Kevin Durant leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder and Russell Westbrook on an expiring contract, the New York Knicks need to exercise patience.

Nov 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a three point shot against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a three point shot against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors somehow lit a candle of hope for Russell Westbrook joining the New York Knicks.

Slow down people.

Do you really want a trade for Westbrook?

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Yes, it sounds attractive, Westbrook dominating the competition at Madison Square Garden. He’s snarling at his opponents as he drives to the hoop for a thunderous jam on some poor non-athletic center with no hops and gangly limbs.

There’s a huge problem, well five problems, with Westbrook joining the Knickerbockers, specifically in a trade deal.

If the dynamic scoring guard would like to join the Knicks during free agency, fine. Team president Phil Jackson has masterfully revamped the roster with point guard Derrick Rose’s $21 million contract coming off the books, per spotrac.com.

Additionally, the salary cap will rise yet again next year. There’s money to go around if Westbrook wants to play in New York. But, there’s no need to trade for him in a New York minute.

Sure, the Thunder’s front office may entertain the idea of trading Westbrook before he bolts in free agency and leaves the team with zero returning assets. However, his contract will expire at the end of the season no matter where he goes. If he genuinely likes the idea of playing with forward Kristaps Porzingis, he knows how to reach out to Jackson.

Let’s not turn this into another impatient Carmelo Anthony situation. The Knicks shouldn’t trade multiple pieces for a better player who still needs help around him. 

Next: Financial Obstacles

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