NBA Insider Reveals Hornets As Russell Westbrook Trade Suitor

Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

A lot of attention is going to be given to Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook this upcoming offseason. Things didn’t go well with his hometown Lakers this season, as they didn’t even qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament.

While far from the only reason that the team struggled, Westbrook has been used as the scapegoat more often than not. At this point, it seems as if a change of scenery is what is best for Westbrook and the team.

If he is traded, it would be the fourth consecutive offseason that Russell Westbrook was involved with a deal, making it five teams in the last five seasons. But, figuring out where he could land this offseason is easier said than done.

There aren’t many teams that are going to be able to take on a player whose contract is $47 million for the 2022-23 season, let alone willing to. The Houston Rockets were one team mentioned ahead of the trade deadline as a possibility, who have John Wall to offer back.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trades To Send Lakers’ Russell Westbrook To Charlotte Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder are always willing to take on an expensive deal as long as draft compensation is attached to it. The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic may be willing to do the same.

But, according to Marc Stein on his Substack, one team to keep an eye on is the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte is certainly a surprising team to be linked to Westbrook, but their motivation would be monetary as well.

“All-Star guard LaMelo Ball is firmly ensconced as the Hornets’ face of the franchise and on-the-ball star, but one scenario making the rounds is a belief that the Hornets could emerge with Westbrook interest in the name of creating some financial flexibility.”

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trades To Send Lakers’ Russell Westbrook To Charlotte Hornets

Russell Westbrook’s contract is expiring following the 2022-23 season, so a team that is willing to take on his contract would at least know they have a lot of money coming off the books next summer. From that perspective, this is a deal that could make some sense for Charlotte.

Knowing that they will have to work out an extension with Miles Bridges this offseason and P.J. Washington is eligible as well, the Charlotte Hornets could look to move around some money. Moving off of Gordon Hayward or Terry Rozier would open up some future money that they can spend on younger players on the roster.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trades To Send Lakers’ Russell Westbrook To Charlotte Hornets

On the court, Russell Westbrook could also fill the backup point guard position behind LaMelo Ball. Given Ball’s unique skill set, the two could even share the floor in some lineups. Given how young the Charlotte Hornets are, adding a veteran of Westbrook’s caliber could be something that the team benefits from in ways the Los Angeles Lakers did not.

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