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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) was given a technical foul for his reaction after a dunk over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half of the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) was given a technical foul for his reaction after a dunk over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half of the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly decided that Russell Westbrook no longer fits the long-term plans of the franchise. This information comes following the shocking removal of Russell Westbrook during the last minutes of their previous game. Consequently, Russell Westbrook, who usually loves talking to the media left the arena without talking to any reporters. Hence, it showed a rift between the player and the management. Since following reports showed the management gave the go-ahead for Vogel to make that decision at the last minute.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 12, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
However, the more eye-opening part of this news is that the likely trade destination of Russell Westbrook is a former team. Although, it’s not the Thunder or the Wizards.
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Sources reveal the most probable trade destination for Russell Westbrook
According to Marc Stein, Houston Rockets have emerged as a promising trade destination for Westbrook. He said that if the conditions are right, the team “surprisingly” interested would be the Rockets.
There is at least one team out there that would take Russell Westbrook if the conditions are right, per @TheSteinLine
“That team, surprisingly, is the Houston Rockets.” 😳
(Via https://t.co/CwpW1nO5P8) pic.twitter.com/yh8ux1sbRO
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 21, 2022
A trade here could mean a potential return of Westbrook to Clutch City Houston but without Harden this time. It shocked the entire Houston Rockets fanbase to hear this news. Since Westbrook’s trade does not really fit what the Rockets are trying to do. So it is likely that even though Westbrook might get traded for (the most obvious asset in return) John Wall, he may not see a lot of minutes in the Houston jersey.
Especially since the franchise has evidently invested a lot of it’s future on the backcourt duo of Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green. So it is very hard for any Houston supporter to figure out how Westbrook might fit in the team.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and Los Angeles Lakers center DeAndre Jordan (10) look on during pregame warm-up against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Therefore, it is a logical possibility that even though Westbrook might come to Houston, he will get bought out or will have to accept a role on the bench. And considering that Westbrook will rationally look for a starter’s role, this trade destination might not be the end of moving for him.
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Westbrook had his most efficient season with the Houston Rockets
Mr. Triple-Double gets his nickname from averaging that bizarre stat line through three out of four previous NBA seasons. And the only season where he did not average those numbers was with the Rockets. However, fans still argue that Westbrook still had one of the most impactful stints of his career with the Rockets. Because he averaged the third-highest points in his career but on the highest field goal percentage rate of his career. (47.2 FG%)
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 4, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy Reuters
So if Westbrook returns to Houston, do you think he would stay for the long run to prove that he is a championship-caliber point guard? Or will he leave simply to look for the starting role? Let us know what you think about it.
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