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Potential suitors looking to pry away Russell Westbrook from the Houston Rockets better be ready to present a mammoth haul for the one-time MVP's services. Rumors of Russ' impending exit in H-Town have circulated ever since he reportedly asked to be traded after just one season with the team.
Earlier reports indicated that interest in Westbrook's services around the league has been few and far between. Fledgling East teams New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets are supposedly the only two willing participants who have enough cap space to absorb the 32-year-old guard's massive contract.
Despite the dwindling interest, seems like the Rockets brass is still keen on getting massive returns for Westbrook, according to ESPN's Tim McMahon.
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“The Rockets are demanding an especially steep return for Harden, a perennial MVP candidate who has led the NBA in scoring the past three seasons: a proven, young star as a centerpiece along with a massive picks package, according to sources. Houston does not feel obligated to deliver Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, his preferred destination, sources said. The Rockets also understand that Westbrook, for whom Houston gave up Chris Paul, two first-round picks and two pick swaps last summer at Harden’s urging, would not command the same type of trade return as Harden. However, Houston is unwilling to deal Westbrook without receiving assets such as young talent or first-round picks.”
The Rockets, meanwhile, had to move heaven and earth last year just to re-unite Westbrook with his Oklahoma City Thunder pal James Harden. While Westbrook had a successful first year in Houston stats-wise, it's quite clear that having two-ball dominant superstars sharing the backcourt is not an ideal fit moving forward.
Houston is already facing a lot of uncertainties next season, with Harden also reportedly wanting out. The Rockets might have to compromise a bit on this one if they do wish to ship Westbrook elsewhere.
