After playing just one season with the Houston Rockets alongside his friend James Harden, 9-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook reportedly no longer wants to play there.
Rockets’ Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2020
This comes with news of several other Rockets players reportedly being frustrated with their roles on the team.
Things have already started to change in Houston with Stephen Silas replacing Mike D’Antoni as head coach and Daryl Morey now in Philadelphia as general manager. It’s unclear if the reported frustrations from players will be appeased by the new personnel.
Clearly not so much for Russell Westbrook.
Charania has reported that James Harden remains “locked-in” on the season with the Houston Rockets, though Kendrick Perkins has shared information that Harden apparently hasn’t been in contact with Houston management and things are getting shakier than we know.
James Harden teaming up with KD and Kyrie in Brooklyn?@KendrickPerkins thinks there's something behind the rumors 👀 pic.twitter.com/Dy3wDblndT
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 12, 2020
Perkins’ prediction about a Harden team-up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn is probably seen as farfetched for now. Stephen A. Smith floated the idea of Harden to Philly with Joel Embiid and Doc Rivers.
Harden has been the consummate hero for Houston. He could choose to stay and continue searching for the right supporting cast to supplant his stardom in hopes of a championship. Or hope to attract another star as Westbrook makes his way out.
As for Westbrook, the Clippers and Knicks had initially been mentioned as possibly having an interest in the 9-time All-Star. Charlotte has also been added to the mix.
The Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Rockets All-Star Russell Westbrook, sources tell our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/8hineXP3AN
— Stadium (@Stadium) November 12, 2020
His relationship with Michael Jordan as a member of the Jordan brand makes Charlotte a clear possibility. It would also give Jordan and Charlotte an All-Star point guard again since losing Kemba Walker to Boston in free agency.
Westbrook averaged 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game this past season. He finished shooting a career-low 25 percent from three but a career-high 47 percent from the field in his first season with the Rockets.
How is the Houston culture about to change? Was it never going to work with Harden and Westbrook? Can there be an ideal landing spot for him at this stage in his career? Watch our discussion below on YouTube.