The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who wants the Houston Rockets to trade him.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook “has a desire to return to his prior floor-general role” from earlier seasons in Oklahoma City. That could make a destination such as Charlotte realistic, since there isn’t another All-Star guard in place (unlike Houston with James Harden).
As for the latest, here’s what Charania said on Thursday morning:
Sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple other teams mentioned as a possibility for the one-time league MVP. But in Charlotte, there are movable veteran contracts, as well as the Jordan Brand connection for Westbrook [with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan].
So far in talks, the Rockets have been protective of both James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but there is plenty of time between now and Wednesday’s NBA Draft.
The Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Rockets All-Star Russell Westbrook, sources tell our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/8hineXP3AN
— Stadium (@Stadium) November 12, 2020
Based on the NBA’s rules for salary matching in trades, Houston could take back approximately $50 million at the high end of a transaction, should they trade Westbrook (who will make over $41 million next season). Those salaries could all come from one team, or it could be spread out, if the trade was expanded to include a third or fourth team.
Charlotte could also absorb part of Westbrook’s large contract into its available cap space, if the Rockets wanted to save money and get additional breathing room beneath the league’s luxury tax threshold.
If it was just a two-team deal involving the Rockets and Hornets (player salaries), potential assets in a transaction could include:
Terry Rozier, guard ($18.4 million per year, for two more seasons)
Nicolas Batum, forward ($27.1 million per year, for one season)
Cody Zeller, center ($15.4 million per year, for one season)
Malik Monk, guard ($5.3 million per year, for one season)
The Hornets also have the No. 3 overall selection in the Nov. 20 draft as a potential asset, though it’s unclear if they would move that premium pick for Westbrook — who turned 32 years old on Thursday.
The NBA’s moratorium on trades is expected to be lifted early next week, with free agency set to open on Friday, Nov. 20.
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