There are still days until the NBA officially opens its transaction window (the number of which is unconfirmed, but is likely to be two or three days prior to the draft on Nov. 18), but with the looming shadow of free agency finally imminent the rumours have come fast and furious, a downpour of draft-related susurrus, contenders looking to shore themselves up, and unhappy stars.
Speaking of the latter, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday night that Russell Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and current partner of James Harden on the Houston Rockets, wants out.
There’s been a lot of turnover in the Rockets organization recently, most notably with Daryl Morey (the team’s former general manager) and Mike D’Antoni (the team’s former head coach) departing within about a month of one another following yet another disappointing post-season, one that saw Houston fall in the second round to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
When Westbrook was dealt to the Rockets from the Oklahoma City Thunder for fellow star Chris Paul (as well as multiple future picks), it was looked at as, at best, a lateral basketball move, and potentially a last-ditch effort from Morey to try and shake things up (Harden and Paul’s relationship had deteriorated) while still competing for a title. Houston then went all-in on super-small ball, dealing away centre Clint Capela and starting a unit that had the likes of P.J. Tucker and Robert Covington playing the four and the five.
Westbrook himself had an up-and-down season, struggling early on to adapt to the Rockets’ analytical style before eventually finding a bit of a groove with the improved spacing allowing him to bulldoze his way to the rim over and over. Then, prior to entering the bubble in Orlando, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and, after recovering, spent time dealing with a quad injury that lingered into the playoffs.
Indeed, the lone season of Westbrook in Houston can be looked at as a failure, but it can’t be looked at as a surprising one. What the 32-year-old (he turns 33 on Nov. 12) brings to the table is the ability to elevate a team’s floor—his skills are good enough that he can make whatever group he’s a part of competitive on any given night. He’s not, however, a ceiling-raiser, a player that drives winning and that can be added to a contender with the hopes of scooting them over the top.
For a true contender, it just isn’t good enough to employ such a high usage player that cannot shoot threes, doesn’t affect the offence off-ball, and is a subpar defender as its best or perhaps even its second-best (as is the case in Houston) player.
So, then, if Westbrook wants out and the Rockets oblige his trade request, what makes a likely destination?
Considering that Westbrook carries with him a massive $123 million deal over three years, the list would seem relatively short, though anything is possible. The New York Knicks immediately jump to mind, as a team with cap space and who are always thirsting for star talent. The Charlotte Hornets, likewise, have space and a big expiring deal in Nicolas Batum ($27 million). Both of these teams, though, don’t have much to offer in the way of immediate help for a team that’s reportedly committed to continuing to build a contender around Harden.
One landing spot that may make some sense is Detroit. If the Pistons are ready to move on from forward Blake Griffin, a one-for-one deal for Westbrook could make some sense. The Rockets would receive a legitimate big man (if indeed they want one) who, when healthy, can still be a significant positive on the floor. His $36.5 million deal also expires a year earlier than Westbrook’s, and would save Houston $4.8 million—notable for a team that’s already going to be paying the luxury tax next season.
The Pistons would likely be fine acquiring a floor elevator like Westbrook, as they’ve been desperate to reach the playoffs consistently for the past several years. In fact, that was the primary reasoning behind the deal for Griffin. But the team has only made it there once since his arrival, and has found it difficult to fill the new arena they moved into in 2017.
Other swirling rumours:
Suns looking to acquire CP3 from the Thunder
While there is no deal imminent, the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder are engaged in ongoing trade talks centred around Paul, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps.
Oklahoma City, which dealt Paul George and Westbrook away prior to last season, may be looking to enter the full rebuild they haven’t quite dipped into yet after a posting a surprising 44-28 record in 2019-20 and taking the Rockets to seven games in the first round of the playoffs.
The Suns, who missed the post-season but went an undefeated 8-0 within the bubble, are looking to make that next step and evidently think Paul could be the answer to complement and mentor their young core, which includes budding superstar Devin Booker.
Hawks interested in Jrue Holiday
The Atlanta Hawks have pushed themselves to the forefront as a potential landing spot for New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday, according to The New York Times’ Marc Stein.
A deal could involve Atlanta’s No. 6 pick in the draft, and could include multiple teams. Holiday is widely expected to decline his $27 million-player option for 2021-22 and enter unrestricted free agency.
Still, the Hawks, who sported a dismal 20-47 record last season and who would certainly be thrilled with the ability to pair 22-year-old star Trae Young with a dynamic two-way wing, could be open to taking the chance.
Timberwolves looking to snag second lottery pick
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly looking to garner a second lottery pick, per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.
One of the teams they’ve apparently spoken with is the Hawks, who own the No. 6 pick. In order to make that happen, a potential deal of Jarrett Culver and the No. 17 pick could be in play. According to O’Connor, Minnesota is interested in moving up in order to target FSU wing Patrick Williams or Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton.
LaMelo Ball gaining steam as potential No. 1 pick
The NBA Draft is Nov. 18, and yet there still seems to be no consensus on who the Timberwolves (assuming they keep their pick) will take at the No. 1 spot. Noise around Ball is increasing, however, and Jonathan Givony, an ESPN draft analyst, reported that the 19-year-old did indeed have a private workout with Timberwolves on Wednesday, where he supposedly “shot the ball well.”
