NBA Rumors: Houston Has A Problem, Westbrook Seeking Trade From Rockets

The much-ballyhooed James Harden-Russell Westbrook will soon come to an end. Most were not too coy on the idea when the former MVP joined the Rockets before the 2019-20 NBA season, wary of seeing him co-exist with Harden. From the looks of it, that speculation was spot on.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook wants out of Houston. Previous to that, there were reports that he and Harden were a bit concerned with the direction of the Rockets. Mike D’Antoni is no longer around, replaced by Stephen Silas for head coaching duties.

This development comes not long after Westbrook wanted significant changes in the Rockets’ culture. The same was aired by Harden but it appears there is more to the matter. Unnamed sources alleged that both had their share of tense moments, a sign that their so-called close relationship was not entirely true.

Harden is no stranger when it comes to getting along with fellow NBA stars. Before Westbrook, he had issues with Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. Both are now playing for different clubs and performing well. Howard just won his first NBA title while Paul is coming off a good season despite his age with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hence, it may not be surprising to hear that Westbrook will be the next to go. Considering he was the top man with the Thunder before the surprise trade last season, there is no question that the former NBA MVP has the tools to lead any team into contention all by his lonesome.

But there is a problem that exists for Westbrook right now. He is owed roughly $13o million over the next three seasons, meaning his best bet is to join a team that has a lot of cap space available. One team that most feel makes sense is the New York Knicks.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how Westbrook could be that guy that the Knicks are looking for. He could be the new face of the franchise and the leader that new head coach Tom Thibodeau is looking for.

If not the Knicks, there is also the Charlotte Hornets reportedly ready to explore options with Westbrook. The Hornets are potential suitors according to another tweet by Shams Charania citing unnamed sources.

The only problem with Charlotte is that they do not have much cap room. Hence, some players could be let go. Nicolas Batum looms as one of those players, someone owns a pricey $27.1 million contract. Other players who could be part of the deal include Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham.

For now, the Knicks and the Hornets have expressed interest. Closing the deal, however, is another matter.