Why The Houston Rockets Should Do It
It’s tough to forecast what the Houston Rockets may do with so much uncertainty at coach and GM.
That being said, the Rockets came up short once again last season, and attempts to simply run it back may prove to be futile.
Russell Westbrook will be 32 in November, and his salary is exorbitant in the coming years. He’ll make $41 million in 2021, $44 million in 2021-22, and then he holds a player option for 2022-23 worth a whopping $47 million.
Zach LaVine, in comparison, is a younger guard with a much more affordable salary. He’s not the player Westbrook is, but any trade of Westbrook from Houston’s perspective would take his age and salary into consideration.
The Rockets will have the option to maintain the status quo next season, but Houston could create some added flexibility if they move Westbrook’s contract off their payroll.
