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Russell Westbrook’s short tenure with the Houston Rockets may be coming to an end. The nine-time All-Star wants to leave Houston, according to Athletic’s Shams Charania, leaving the Rockets in a difficult position with just over a month to go until games start for the 2020-21 season.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Westbrook and his All-Star teammate James Harden had “expressed concern” about the Rockets’ leadership, and now that has apparently led to commercial demand from Westbrook. Harden is still committed to the Rockets despite Westbrook’s intention to leave, according to The Athletic. From Charania:
“Westbrook has informed team managers that he is concerned about the responsibility and culture of the team and wants to join a team where he can play a role similar to his previous role as floor general. in Oklahoma City. “
The Rockets have undergone significant changes since their elimination by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs two months ago. Former coach Mike D’Antoni chose not to sign a new contract with the team and longtime general manager Daryl Morey resigned, later joining the Philadelphia 76ers front office. Morey was replaced by Rafael Stone, and Stephen Silas was given the head coach job in Houston.
Harden preferred two other training contenders according to New York Times’ Marc Stein: Tyronn Lue – who was promoted to head coach by the Clippers following the departure of Doc Rivers – and John Lucas, who was vying for the coach. -Chief of the Rockets. position but is now assistant in the staff of Silas. According to ESPN, Westbrook and Harden were consulted and agreed to hire Silas.
2016-17 NBA MVP Westbrook was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder Rockets for Chris Paul before last season, and averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists decisive in 57 games. While battling an ATV injury and recovering from COVID-19, Westbrook racked up 17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in eight playoff games.
There is, of course, no guarantee that Westbrook’s request will be granted, but history tells us that an unhappy player of his caliber ultimately gets the change of scenery he desires. Moving Westbrook is not without its challenges despite its consistent production and All-Star status. He will be 32 this season and is owed $ 131.5 million over the next three years with a player option of $ 46.7 million in 2022-23.
Given the uncertain financial future of the NBA, at this point it is not clear whether Westbrook is seen as an asset that would pay a significant return, or if his contract is so toxic that the Rockets would have to invest additional assets to bring a team to take him. We’ll likely know more about the trade market and Westbrook’s value in the coming weeks, with the NBA Draft scheduled for next Wednesday and the free agency opening next Friday.
If Westbrook is traded, there will be significant questions over the Rockets’ cap if Harden is unable to get any significant help with the deal. Last summer, Houston faced a similar dilemma when Harden and Paul’s relationship soured, and they were able to secure a deal for Westbrook, costing them several first-round picks. This time around, however, there may not be a star with an equally huge contract in a squad willing to part ways with him, especially as Houston lacks promising young talent.
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