NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Mentioned Among Potential Suitors for Russell Westbrook

After just one season with the Houston Rockets, star point guard Russell Westbrook wants to leave. In the 2019 off-season, the Rockets gave away Chris Paul and a future first to acquire Westbrook, but they clearly lost that trade. They brought him in to push for a title, but he failed to live up to the expectations.

According to The Athletic, “Westbrook has informed team officials that he has been uneasy about the team’s accountability and culture, and wants to join a team where he can have a role similar to his prior, floor-general role in Oklahoma City.”

So instead of sacrificing and trying to contend, he seems happy as long as he gets to be the star.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that the Hawks, Hornets, Clippers, Lakers, Pistons, Knicks, and Suns are among the interested teams. But since he wants to be the primary star, a move to the Lakers or Clippers can be ruled out. Both teams already have their established stars. So where could he realistically go?

The Knicks would welcome Russell Westbrook with open arms

Ever since Carmelo Anthony left, the New York Knicks have been aching for a star. They drafted Kristaps Porzingis, only to trade him before he reached his pinnacle. At the Knicks, Westbrook will have a free license to play however he pleases. The owners will be happy too, considering he will bring in a lot of jersey sales.

The Knicks have the ability to absorb his huge contract, and they would be willing to give up almost anyone on the roster. So this could be a likely move.

ALSO READ – Former NBA Player Reveals Clippers and Knicks Have Shown Interest in Rockets’ Russell Westbrook

Will the Pistons take a chance with The Brodie?

The Detroit Pistons have been trying to trade away Blake Griffin for a while now. But ever since his injuries, he hasn’t been the star he once was, so his market has not been as good as previously assumed. However, with Westbrook on the block, this could be a perfect opportunity for them to trade away Griffin.

Recently, Griffin has been working on his outside shooting, and he is a solid defender too. So he can be an asset to the Rockets. One major problem with this trade is that the Pistons are chasing LaMelo Ball in the draft, so pairing him with Westbrook might not be a good idea.

ALSO READ – Detroit Pistons’ General Manager Explains Why Choosing LaMelo Ball is Intriguing

A new star – PG – on the horizon for the Hornets?

The last time the Hornets had a star point guard, they let him walk away in free agency. They are not going to attract any stars during Free Agency. So this could be a way to bring in a big name. There is an outside chance that the Rockets potentially get the #3 overall pick from the Hornets out of this trade.

It will be interesting to see which team pulls the trigger on Westbrook, who is set to earn over $120 million in the upcoming three seasons.