Latest on Westbrook from KOC's new Harden piece:
However, multiple league sources say interest in Westbrook is minimal. Last week, I reported that the Clippers and Knicks are interested in trading for him. But interest doesn’t mean anything more than just that. Most teams don’t need a starting point guard. And every team is scared off by Westbrook’s bloated contract (worth $44.2 million annually for the next three seasons), injury history, and polarizing playing style. At his best, he’s a fantastic playmaker who pushes pace in ways that few players can. But there isn’t a long line of teams scurrying to trade for an expensive, ball-dominant 32-year-old.
Since it was reported that Westbrook wants out, the Hornets have emerged as the most likely team to land him. Front office sources tell me Michael Jordan wants the 2016-17 MVP, which is unsurprising and understandable. Westbrook would put eyes on televisions and fans in the seats (once they’re able to safely return). Charlotte would win more games, too. But those same sources add that the Hornets won’t put the no. 3 pick in Wednesday’s draft on the table for Westbrook, so the organization is clearly not overly zealous to make a deal.
But not including the no. 3 pick isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. The Hornets have plenty of options to tempt the Rockets. They also have the 32nd pick in Wednesday’s draft—which is loaded with role players, not top talent—as well as all of their future first-round picks, which hold value if the Hornets don’t win as many games as they hope. They also have some young players who could appeal to the Rockets, such as P.J. Washington (a big who can pass, shoot, and switch screens), Miles Bridges (a versatile, athletic wing with untapped offensive potential), and Devonte’ Graham (an energetic guard who plays tough defense, makes smart passes, and could see his scoring efficiency leap playing next to Harden). Charlotte would need to give up about $25 million in salary to land Westbrook, which would mean including the expiring contracts of Nicolas Batum or Cody Zeller, or Terry Rozier, who has two years remaining. Regardless of the package, Houston would get some ready-made talent in return, with the potential for the young players to grow.
That said, it likely wouldn’t make Harden feel better about Houston’s future if Westbrook is traded for some picks and players who couldn’t even make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Nor would Charlotte’s assets make up for the loss of all the future first-round picks the Rockets gave up for Westbrook.
https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/11/16/21569761/the-rockets-may-need-to-trade-james-harden-but-why-now