NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Jordan-Owned Charlotte Hornets Favorites to Acquire Russell Westbrook

The Houston Rockets gave up their future to acquire Russell Westbrook from the Thunder. However, after just one season with the team, reports suggest that Russ wants out of Houston.

When the Rockets paired up Russ with James Harden, it seemed like the winning formula. But come playoff time, Russ struggled a lot and ultimately held back his team in crucial games.

Well, all that’s in the past. The Athletic’s Shams Charania has revealed a prime contender for acquiring Russell Westbrook.

“Russell Westbrook has asked out of Houston and sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple other teams that have been mentioned as a possibility for the one time league MVP. But in Charlotte, there are movable veteran contracts as well as the Jordan brand connection for Westbrook.

“So far, in talks, the Rockets have been protective of both James Harden and Russell Westbrook. But there is plenty of time between now and Wednesday’s NBA Draft.”

Despite being criticized for his postseason run, Russ had another great regular season. He averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. Although he couldn’t produce at the same level in the playoffs, the Rockets would be more than happy to keep him.

Moreover, if Russ gets traded, it would put the Rockets in an incredibly bad spot.

Will the Houston Rockets benefit from trading Russell Westbrook?

One of the biggest concerns for the Rockets at this point is the lack of cap flexibility. They have players under huge contracts, which will be very tough to move. Westbrook’s contract is one of them, but they can’t afford to give up on the Westbrook-Harden experiment in just one year.

The Rockets paid a huge price for acquiring the former MVP, and they would probably try to convince him. On the other side of the spectrum, this could mean the Rockets embracing a full-fledged rebuilding process.

They have already parted ways with their head coach and general manager, and trading away their two superstars would trigger them into an instant rebuild.

What do you think? Will Russell Westbrook leave the Rockets and join the Hornets as per reports? Let us know your views in the comments section below.