Woj: Rockets open to Westbrook trade, but contract stalls market

“Maybe that market opens up over time, but right now, his immediate future remains in Houston with the Rockets,” Woj said of Westbrook.

The Houston Rockets are “very open” to trading All-Star guard Russell Westbrook after his recent trade request, but it may not happen soon (if at all) due to a slow-moving marketplace for his massive contract, according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

While a deal isn’t imminent, this is the first report to confirm interest on Houston’s side in exploring a trade. Media reports in previous days were solely from the perspective of Westbrook, who lacks the leverage to force a move since he’s under contract for at least two more seasons.

Here’s what Woj said on Friday night’s SportsCenter:

The organization, right now, has no intention of engaging in any trade talks with James Harden. They expect to play this season out with him.

Russell Westbrook, they are open to talking to teams. Both sides are very open to it, but I’m told it’s a very slow-developing marketplace for Russell Westbrook. There are not teams right now who are ready to move quickly, at the very least, to take on a $132-million investment on in these economic times… and at Westbrook’s advancing age [32]. Maybe that market opens up over time, but right now, his immediate future remains in Houston with the Rockets.

Westbrook is owed more than $85 million over the next two seasons combined, and he has a 2022-23 player option worth $47.1 million.

The Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks are among rumored suitors, but it’s unclear whether they would execute a trade now. If not, the Rockets may need to try and mend the relationship — since training camp for the 2020-21 season is just over two weeks away on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The NBA’s moratorium on trades is expected to be lifted early next week, with 2020 free agency set to open on Friday, Nov. 20.

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