All-Star guard Russell Westbrook wants the Houston Rockets to trade him to another NBA team, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Per Charania, Westbrook “has a desire to return to his prior, floor-general role” with the Oklahoma City Thunder.” From the story:
Westbrook, who has three years and $123 million remaining on his deal, has expressed the sentiment to Houston officials, sources said. Westbrook has informed team officials that he has been uneasy about the team’s accountability and culture, and has a desire to return to his prior, floor-general role in Oklahoma City.
The news comes the same day as a separate ESPN report that Westbrook and fellow All-Star James Harden “have expressed concern about the direction of the franchise.” Both Westbrook and Harden are under contract for at least two more seasons, so the Rockets are not required to make a move, and Harden does not appear interested in a trade.
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. Now, if Westbrook has his way, it seems his first year with the Rockets will also be his last.
Westbrook will make over $41 million next season, which would allow the Rockets to take back as much as $50 million (approximately) in salaries from another team as part of a trade package.
Rockets’ Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2020
It’s been a turbulent offseason for the Rockets, with established GM Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni choosing to head elsewhere. They were replaced by Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas, respectively, with each lacking prior experience as the full-time guy in his new role.
Combine that instability at key leadership positions with the reality that Harden and Westbrook are now in their 30s and still seeking their first NBA title, and it’s quite understandable if they have concerns and a heightened sense of urgency. Westbrook turns 32 years old on Thursday.
The NBA is expected to lift its moratorium on offseason trades early next week, with 2020 free agency set to begin on Friday, Nov. 20.
Stick with Rockets Wire for more updates to this breaking story.
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