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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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Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti watches college basketball between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Another One-Year Rental

Continuing from the previous slide, Westbrook would become a one-year rental for Knicks. It’s not a given that he’ll want to re-sign with the team.

ESPN’s Ian Begley referenced a February article from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, which highlights Westbrook’s interest in playing with Porzingis.

Begley also pointed out a link between Westbrook and Knicks’ assistant coach John Longstaff, who was a player development coach and video coordinator for the Thunder in years past.

When connecting the dots, it all sounds great. However, it’s anyone’s guess how Westbrook feels about the Thunder or free agency next summer.

What if other teams tickle his fancy?

He’s from Long Beach, California and played at UCLA. Maybe he’d like to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and save that franchise from obscurity. It’s very easy to connect hypothetical dots to link Westbrook to plenty of teams.

Maybe Westbrook pulls a Durant and decides to play with an NBA powerhouse.

There are endless possibilities for a player with his unique talent. General managers will line up to sign him long term as the centerpiece for their franchises. With various options for Westbrook, a one-year rental in exchange for a young building block seems absurdly risky and counterproductive.

Next: Star Repellant?

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