Former Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is on the move for the second offseason in row.
On Wednesday, Westbrook was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster that includes fellow star guard John Wall, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Over Westbrook’s single season in Houston, the All-Star averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. However, he only shot 25.8% from 3 and stylistically did not fit next to James Harden, another ball-dominant guard who operates best with shooters around him.
This offseason has been riddled with rumors that Westbrook requested a trade from Houston. On Wednesday, reports confirmed the Rockets have agreed to move him.
The two GM's — Washington's Tommy Sheppard and Houston's Rafael Stone — hadn't talked in weeks on the deal, but connected this afternoon and had a deal done within a few hours, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/qmuPclNoU5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 3, 2020
In return for the star, the Rockets get Wall, who missed all of last season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. At his peak he was one of the best point guards in the league, and the Rockets hope his talent and speed remains and he can fit next to Harden on offense better than Westbrook.
Houston also reportedly gets a first-round pick from the Wizards.
In this deal, Houston recuperates a much-needed draft pick after trading two and giving up the rights to two more to get Westbrook to even begin with.
The Rockets acquired Westbrook last offseason from the Thunder. Oklahoma City received Chris Paul, two first-round picks and two pick swaps in that deal.
The Thunder made the playoffs with Paul and traded him to the Phoenix Suns this offseason.