Overview

• New York replaced Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown and has bolstered its second unit by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
• The team holds one veteran minimum contract slot under the NBA’s second salary-cap apron.
• Russell Westbrook remains a free agent after averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game with the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25.
• Westbrook has embraced a sixth-man role since 2022, earning Sixth Man of the Year votes in each of the past three seasons.
• NBA analyst Rachel Nichols says Westbrook’s energy and playmaking would resonate with fans and strengthen New York’s second unit.