Rockets rumors: Trade market for Russell Westbrook is ‘relatively barren’

Published by

Peter Dewey

6 years ago

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets seem poised to trade star Russell Westbrook after he reportedly requested a trade from the team.

The 32-year-old is coming off a solid season, but he reportedly wants to be “the man again” rather than play second fiddle to James Harden in Houston.

However, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne and Zach Lowe, the trade market for Westbrook is “relatively barren.”

“The Rockets have been actively searching for trade partners for guard Russell Westbrook, but that marketplace is proving relatively barren, sources said,” the trio wrote. “Westbrook, 32, has three years and $131.5 million left on his contract — including a $46.7 million player option in 2022-23.”

The New York Knicks reportedly have interest in trading for Westbrook, but only at a discounted price.

The former MVP is not fetching as much value as he once would’ve due to his massive contract and decline in shooting numbers.

Last season, he averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.

It will be interesting to see if the Rockets can move Westbrook before Wednesday’s NBA draft.

Peter Dewey

Peter is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where he covered the MAAC and college basketball for three years. He has worked for NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering basketball, football and other major sports. Follow him on Twitter @peterdewey2.