Clippers, Knicks reportedly have trade interest in Russell Westbrook

“I did have multiple sources that I trust tell me that teams believe Russell Westbrook could be had,” said The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.

NBA teams believe the Houston Rockets could make All-Star guard Russell Westbrook available in trades this offseason, per Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. O’Connor went on to identify the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers as teams who could have interest.

Westbrook will make more than $41 million in salary over the 2020-21 season, so there are numerous possibilities as to potential trade combinations and what could hypothetically be brought to Houston. O’Connor did not name any potentially available players on either team.

In comments made Tuesday on The Ringer NBA Show, here’s what O’Connor said regarding Westbrook, who is a Los Angeles native:

It is interesting, the last 24 hours. I did have multiple sources that I trust tell me that teams believe Russell Westbrook could be had—that Westbrook could be had. And I’ve heard the Clippers have interest, I’ve heard the Knicks have interest in Westbrook. Whether anything materializes there, who knows? Who knows? But the fact is that there is a belief that a guy like Westbrook could become available.

Now 31 years old, Westbrook is under contract with the Rockets for at least two additional seasons (he has a player option on the third year).

A nine-time NBA All-Star and the league’s 2017 MVP,  Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists during his first season in Houston, all on a career-best 47.2% shooting clip from the field.

The Rockets have a clear “win now” emphasis, with franchise centerpiece and perennial MVP finalist James Harden now 31 years old, as well. Given that dynamic, as well as the close friendship between Harden and Westbrook, and it’s hard to envision trading Westbrook just to trade him.

However, if the Clippers or Knicks were willing to trade enough quality pieces for Westbrook to improve Houston’s championship odds next season, it would be foolish to rule anything out. O’Connor pointed out that with the class of available 2020 free agents lacking star power, teams could instead explore the trade market for marquee additions.

The NBA’s trade moratorium is expected to be lifted early next week, with free agency set to open a few days later on Friday, Nov. 20.

[lawrence-related id=40038,39233]

[vertical-gallery id=39560]