The Charlotte Hornets have been the NBA organization most linked to Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook with trade interest. It appears that remains the case as team-owner Michael Jordan is motivated to get a deal done.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Michael Jordan wants the Hornets to trade for Westbrook— but not with using the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Since it was reported that (Russell Westbrook) wants out, the Hornets have emerged as the most likely team to land him. Front office sources tell me Michael Jordan wants the 2016-17 MVP, which is unsurprising and understandable. Westbrook would put eyes on televisions and fans in the seats (once they’re able to safely return). Charlotte would win more games, too. But those same sources add that the Hornets won’t put the no. 3 pick in Wednesday’s draft on the table for Westbrook, so the organization is clearly not overly zealous to make a deal.
O’Connor also notes how the Hornets not including the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft in a potential trade for Russell Westbrook wouldn’t be a ‘dealbreaker’ as there is plenty of alternative offerings to be included in a potential trade package.
“But not including the no. 3 pick isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. The Hornets have plenty of options to tempt the Rockets. They also have the 32nd pick in Wednesday’s draft—which is loaded with role players, not top talent—as well as all of their future first-round picks, which hold value if the Hornets don’t win as many games as they hope.”
The idea of acquiring Westbrook makes plenty of sense for the Hornets if it doesn’t come at the cost of the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The team is in need of an established star to return to being more competitive against high-level NBA teams. Sacrificing the long-term future of the organization isn’t worth pursuing that though.
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The Hornets can remain patient with the process since the NBA trade market won’t be robust for Russell Westbrook. Standing firm on not including such a high NBA Draft selection could eventually get a deal done.
Russell Westbrook is coming off a strong season for the Houston Rockets— posting averages of 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He embraced a lesser role alongside James Harden but it just didn’t lead the playoff success the two superstars had hoped.
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