The Houston Rockets will look to trade Russell Westbrook this NBA offseason after he requested to be moved to a new team. While the news cycle has been dominated by James Harden’s trade request, there appears to have been movement for a potential Westbrook trade.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahom, the Rockets are ‘unwilling’ to trade Westbrook unless they receive a trade package that consists of young talent or 1st round picks.
The Washington Wizards were the first NBA team to be linked to Westbrook as having trade discussions with the Rockets. The focus of the trade package was John Wall but the Rockets are seeking more NBA Draft compensation before agreeing to a potential trade.
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The Rockets already hold the No. 16 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after trading Robert Covington to the Portland Trail Blazers— a move that signals Houston being serious about rebuilding.
The Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks also have been linked to Westbrook as potential trade suitors. However, neither team seems willing to part with their respective 1st round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and lack much for intriguing young talent.
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By adding more 1st round selections in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Rockets could package them to trade up or simply stand pat to take multiple prospects. It’s unclear who Houston values in this year’s class given they didn’t prior have a 1st round pick before the Covington trade.
The most influential element of the NBA offseason for the Houston Rockets will be the potential trade package they can land for James Harden. What is received in a deal for Russell Westbrook is important, too, but the direction of the team will be unclear until a deal for Harden occurs.
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