On November 11th, Russell Westbrook requested a trade from the Houston Rockets. Westbrook’s tenure for the Rockets was short-lived, as he only spent one season there. Houston acquiring Westbrook in the first place was somewhat unusual, as they already had a ball-dominate guard in James Harden. The duo of Harden and Westbrook finished fourth in the Western Conference and got bumped in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers.
It is strange to see a former MVP and a perennial All-Star go on the trade block and teams not jumping all over it. It is a different situation for Westbrook though. Westbrook is a player that needs the ball in his hands to succeed. Although he is a great athlete and talent, it is hard for teams to fit him into their offense. In a league that had steered more into the long-range game, Westbrook has struggled to adapt, shooting only 30% from three for his career. He isn’t the most consistent free throw shooter either. He shot 76% from the line last year, which is much too low for a player whose game is to get to the rim and make contact.
Don’t expect the Rockets to get a huge haul for the nine-time All-Star. There aren’t many great suitors for Westbrook. Here are five potential teams that could trade for Westbrook –
5. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are a team that has been trying to get over the hump for a few years now. With the lack of production from the guard position, the Magic could be in place to potentially make a move for Westbrook.
It is looking like Aaron Gordon will be shopped around by the Magic. Despite his exciting dunks and highlights, he has been pretty disappointing since being drafted fourth overall in the 2014 draft. It is unsure how consistent young guard Markelle Fultz will be for the Magic, so pairing Westbrook with All-Star Center Nikola Vucevic could be a good move for the Magic.
Potential Deal:
Houston receives – DJ Augustin, Al-Farouq Aminu, Aaron Gordon, and Lottery Protected 2021 First Round Pick
Orlando receives – Russell Westbrook and 2021 Second Round Pick
4. New York Knicks
The past few offseasons have been pretty disappointing for the Knicks. They have missed out on a number of big-time free agents. However, this could be the time they make a move for one. The city of New York needs some excitement from their team, and Westbrook could be just what the doctor ordered. They have plenty of assets and picks to trade to acquire Westbrook.
The Knicks need to do something to become relevant again. I can see Houston shipping him to New York for a relatively low price.
Potential Deal:
Houston receives – Bobby Portis, Frank Ntilikina, Dallas’ 2023 Top 10 Protected First Round Pick, and Charlotte’s 2020 Second Round Pick
New York receives – Russell Westbrook
3. Chicago Bulls
With the recent acquisition of Head Coach Billy Donavon, we could see him and Westbrook reunite if the Bulls make a move for him. Westbrook won an MVP under Coach Donavon. Although Westbrook can be hard to coach, I think Billy Donavon did a great job handling Westbrook’s play style while they were together in OKC.
Zach LaVine has been the main source of points for Chicago. Even though guard Coby White showed flashes of greatness last year, nobody knows if he will be able to be a number two option paired with LaVine in the future. By acquiring Westbrook they can take a load off Zach LaVine, and dump some bad contracts as well. With Otto Porter’s expiring contract, I can see the Bulls involve him in a trade for Westbrook.
Potential Deal:
Houston receives – Thaddeus Young, Otto Porter Jr, Chandler Hutchison, and a 2024 Lottery Protected First Round Pick
Chicago receives – Russell Westbrook and 2021 Second Round Pick
2. Charlotte Hornets
Westbrook and the Charlotte Hornets make sense for one simple reason, Jordan. In 2012, Westbrook signed with the Jordan Brand. As Michael Jordan is the Owner of the Hornets, I can see him try to push to make a move for the Jordan athlete.
The Hornets finished 9th in the East last year, after a pretty shocking season. Everyone thought they would be at the bottom three of the league after losing All-Star guard, Kemba Walker, the year prior to free agency. With the huge jump Devonte’ Graham made last season, and the third overall pick in this upcoming draft, the Hornets have a bright future. The acquisition of Westbrook would certainly take the ball away from the young players. However, I think Jordan would love to have one of the biggest Jordan athletes in his organization. He could also be used as a mentor and a leader for the young team.
Potential Deal:
Houston receives – Terry Rozier, PJ Washington, 2021 First Round Pick, 2023 Top 5 Protected First Round Pick, Boston’s 2020 Second Round Pick, 2024 Second Round Pick
Charlotte receives – Russell Westbrook
1. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers had all sorts of problems at the end of the year last year. All signs pointed to a Lakers vs. Clippers Western Conference Finals, but they fell short to the Nuggets in the second round, 4-3. With an extremely deep roster, Kawhi Leonard struggled to find a second option, as Paul George struggled mightily in the playoffs. George averaged 20.2 points per game shooting just 39% from the field and 33% from long range. Out of the 13 playoff games the team played, Paul George had 6 games where he had just 15 points or fewer.
Yes, I am insinuating that I believe the Clippers will move on from Paul George for Westbrook. It is uncertain how Westbrook and Kawhi will operate together, but they need to make some sort of move to get over the hump in the Western Conference. I believe if a deal with Westbrook isn’t done, we will still see Paul George come up in a lot of trade discussions with other teams. But for now, I’m expected a deal to be offered where we will see Westbrook in LA for Paul George.
Potential Deal:
Houston receives – Paul George
Los Angeles receives – Russell Westbrook, 2022 First Round Pick, 2021 Second Round Pick, and 2024 Second Round Pick
It is going to be difficult to find a good fit for Westbrook. I do believe some teams will be happy to have him on their roster, so I wouldn’t be shocked if these five teams all sent over a trade deal. After all, they will be receiving a former MVP and nine-time All-Star. I’m excited to see what happens with Westbrook, and hopefully, he finds a team that will use his well and helps him succeed.