Is the Russell Westbrook experience with the Houston Rockets already coming to an end soon? Probably not since the former MVP has a lucrative contract which other teams in the league are likely hesitant to take on.
However, Ryen Russillo of The Ringer Podcast Network claims there are people who believe Westbrook may be available for trade:
“Is Daryl Morey actively calling people saying I gotta dump Westbrook? Of course he wouldn't do it that way. But there are people who believe that Westbrook is available and that Daryl knows I gotta figure something out here and it's about the contract more than somebody watching Westbrook.”
Westbrook is making $38,506,482 this season, $41,358,814 in 2020-21, $44,211,146 in 2021-22 and has a player option worth $47,063,478 for the 2022-23 season.
In 28 games this season for the Rockets, Westbrook is averaging 24.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists. The eight-time All-Star is shooting just 42.6 percent from the field, 23.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free-throw line.
In the Rockets' Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook shot 11-of-32 from the floor and 0-of-8 from the 3-point line. He finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
Opposing teams are trapping James Harden at every turn and literally daring Westbrook to shoot from deep. If that continues, we'll see if Rockets general manager Daryl Morey grows impatient and looks to move Russ.