Russell Westbrook Eyeing Knicks in 2017, Phil Jackson Might Return to Lakers

The Thunder point guard reportedly already has his sights set on leaving Oklahoma City and potentially landing in the Big Apple.

Image via USA TODAY Sports/Brad Penner

Russell Westbrook isn't a free agent until after the 2016-17 season, but the Thunder point guard might already have his sights set on leaving Oklahoma City and potentially landing in the Big Apple. 

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a nugget in his latest column in the wake of Derek Fisher's firing that will have Knicks fans hyperventilating. 

The Knicks have a real chance to sell Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook in 2017 – New York and [Kristaps] Porzingis have his attention, yes – and [Phil] Jackson ought to start constructing an elite coaching staff to begin that process with Westbrook and with free agents beyond him.

We're two years away from the frenzy that will be Westbrook's free agency, and the Knicks have to get a number of things in order before they can seriously make a run at one of the game's elite players—like, maybe, hiring a head coach that actually has prior experience. That, of course, is Knicks' president Phil Jackson's job and speculation he will not be in New York two summers from now to woo Westbrook continues to pick up steam. Jackson reportedly has an opt-out clause in the 5-year deal he signed with the Knicks in 2014 that he can exercise this year. 

There's still a strong belief Jackson will eventually find his way to his fiancée Jeanie Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jackson took to Twitter Tuesday to-—kind of—address the rumors and innuendo that he's not long for the Knicks.

I am sad about D-Fish. However, I'm not discouraged. Here is some things pundits should know before assuming 'next'. pic.twitter.com/cFnA8TQAhx

— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) February 9, 2016

Enjoy the final few months of the triangle offense, Knicks fans. 

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

 

Latest in Sports