NBA Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook for Tyson Chandler Swap Would Benefit Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks
With their season slipping away, the New York Knicks could pull off a blockbuster deal three weeks into the midseason NBA trade deadline. One possible trade scenario the Knicks might consider is a swap involving center Tyson Chandler and Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook.
The Knicks are in danger of missing the postseason once again after making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference for three straight seasons.
Despite adding firepower through the acquisition of Andrea Bargnani, Metta World Peace, Beno Udrih and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the offseason, the Knicks are barely competitive in a wide-open playoff battle in the conference.
Knicks-Thunder Blockbuster Deal
According to Yahoo Sports contributor Del Pearson, the Knicks' current woes are the product of an unhealthy frontline and inconsistency in their backcourt, particularly at the point guard spot.
The analyst added that the Knicks can plug in the loopholes on their roster by working out a huge trade with the Thunder, who has been thriving thanks to sensational play from MVP front-runner Kevin Durant.
"The Knicks' struggles can be easily fixed by addressing two main issues: an unhealthy frontcourt and inconsistent point-guard play. Both of these issues can be addressed in one fell swoop by acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder," Pearson stated in his article.
Aside from getting Westbrook, the Knicks will also receive Kendrick Perkins and a future second-round pick. The Thunder, on the other hand, will get Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, Raymond Felton and the right to swap future first-round picks.
Ideal Trade For Both Teams
With the emergence of Durant as a do-it-all superstar and Reggie Jackson as a solid two-way point guard, the Thunder have apparently found the formula for success without Westbrook playing on the floor.
Last year, the Thunder were battered by the Memphis Grizzlies in their Western Conference semifinals, primarily because of the absence of Westbrook, who injured his knee in their first round series with the Houston Rockets.
However, Durant's improvement has suddenly overshadowed his absence, showing everybody that he's ready carry his team to clinching the franchise's first championship.
The addition of an athletic rim protector like Chandler will certainly fortify the Thunder's defense while Shumpert and Felton would add depth to their backcourt.
Meanwhile, the Knicks will instantly become a serious contender in the East if they manage to land Westbrook. When healthy, Westbrook is undoubtedly one of the best point guards in the league, with the ability to score points in bunches and disrupt opponents' offense on the other end. Moreover, Westbrook's arrival could convince Anthony to stay in the Big Apple and try to win a title there with his new running mate.