Free agency scenarios are always fun to talk about, especially if they involve a superstar heading the free agency class. We know the summer of 2016 will be the Kevin Durant sweepstakes — with him being in rumors joining the Lakers, Wizards, Warriors or staying put in Oklahoma City.
While it seems likely that he’ll be staying in OKC, his teammate Russell Westbrook might be looking elsewhere, particularly to a bigger market. In an article written by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, in regards to the recent Derek Fisher firing, Woj mentioned that Westbrook possibly could be in the mix to join New York when he is set to become a free agent come the summer of 2017.
“The Knicks have a real chance to sell Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook in 2017 – New York and Porzingis have his attention, yes – and Jackson ought to start constructing an elite coaching staff to begin that process with Westbrook and with free agents beyond him.”
The end of the 2016-17 season is not for a while, but this is definitely something Phil Jackson has been keeping an eye on. The salary cap will be a lot higher than past years and a superstar like Westbrook will be demanding a huge contract.
Of course it comes down to Russell Westbrook, and there is plenty of time from now until the summer of 2017, so anything can happen. If the Thunder get back to their winning ways and titles start coming to OKC, he’ll likely stay.
However, teams like New York will get their chance. The Knicks play in a big market, have a bright young talented guy in Kristaps Porzingis, the veteran star Carmelo Anthony, and the Zen master himself in Phil Jackson. Now can Jackson find a coach that’ll potentially attract free agents? The question still remains.
Remember kids, it is never too early to talk about potential free agent landings.
