The Houston Rockets would like to respect the wishes of All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who recently requested a trade.
But with Westbrook under contract for at least two more seasons, the Rockets have to balance his desires with what’s best for the team.
As a result, while they’re compelled to explore the market, there’s no guarantee of reaching a deal. Here’s what Houston Chronicle columnist Brian T. Smith told veteran NBA writer Chris Sheridan in a podcast:
I know for a fact that the Rockets believe that they have to trade Russell Westbrook. The issue is going to be… Are they able to? Is there a way to calm the situation down? Do they try to trade him, and they have to end up backing off? Because ultimately, they figure out that they’re keeping him in the fold for one more season. …
Honestly, I won’t be surprised if he gets traded in the next 48 hours. And I won’t be surprised if they go through the draft and free agency, and they try to make it work once training camp starts, and they get everybody in the same building. It’s a very, very odd situation.
Of all the possible Russell Westbrook trades, would a swap to Daryl Morey and #Sixers for Al Horford and pick(s) make the most sense? PODCAST: https://t.co/erksf5uwnq
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) November 14, 2020
The NBA’s trade moratorium will be lifted Monday morning, which is when the window for a Westbrook trade officially opens. But with up to three years and $132 million left on his existing deal, his market might be better in a 2021 — when that huge contract is closer to its expiration.
Whatever the case, with training camp for 2020-21 looming in barely over two weeks (Tuesday, Dec. 1), the Rockets need to find a quick resolution to this saga to begin preparing for the upcoming season.
