Trading Russell Westbrook was always going to be difficult. The point guard is 33-years old and is owed northwards of $47 million in 2022-2023. Additionally, he is coming off of an extremely underwhelming 2021-2022 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. After missing the postseason, the general consensus believes LA is looking to deal Westbrook away. The Lakers also have no plans of buying out his contact. But there isn't much trade interest for the reasons aforementioned. However, the Charlotte Hornets are rumored to be one team inquiring about Russell Westbrook, per NBA podcaster Kevin O'Connor.
But why? After all, the Hornets have a talented young point guard in LaMelo Ball manning the position in Charlotte.
The Hornets are believed to be interested in freeing up cap space. Although Westbrook's contract is loaded, it is an expiring deal. This means that he is set to hit free agency next offseason.
So is this rumor different than any others? Westbrook has already been linked to a number of different suitors this offseason.
The Hornets are rumored to have ‘real' interest in the veteran PG. O'Connor explained that the Hornets will have a number of large contracts coming up in the future between Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. In order to add extra salary to pay them, dealing players such as Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier would help open up cap space.
So the Hornets could be willing to add Westbrook for one season if it means being able to lock up Ball and Bridges for the long haul. The Lakers are surely hoping Charlotte bails them out of the Russell Westbrook situation.
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