Russell Westbrook trade: Hornets jump in as new 'potential' suitors for Rockets star?

Rumours about Russell Westbrook heading out of Houston Rockets have been around since last year. While re were doubts about team being able to compete with title contenders, some reports stated that certain teams believed Westbrook was available. With 2019-20 season w concluded, reports state that 32-year-old wants out of Houston after ir playoff exit. 

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Russell Westbrook demands trade after a disappointing campaign with Rockets

Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported about Westbrook being one who wants out of Rockets. While both James Harden and Russell Westbrook are apparently concerned about team's future, with only Harden is locked in for 2020-21 season. As per Athletic, Westbrook is "uneasy" about team's accountability and culture. y added that nine-time NBA All-Star wants to go back to his previous "floor-general" role as he had in Oklahoma. 

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Russell Westbrook to Hornets?

While Westbrook has been linked to teams like LA Clippers and New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets are apparently emerging as a "potential suitor" for Rockets star. According to Charania, Hornets are serious in pursuing 2017 NBA MVP. Later, Yahoo! Sports' and CelticsBlog's Keith Smith reported about Hornets' front office, who is apparently divided over a Russell Westbrook trade. 

Also read | James Harden and Russell Westbrook 'express concern' about Rockets future plans

Russell Westbrook contract

As per Smith, Rockets don't have eugh draft picks and young players to make Hornets consider absorbing his contract. Westbrook has a three-year $132.6 million contract left, which Hornets might t want. team is currently a year away from clean cap sheet y want. Westbrook signed a five-year $206 million deal with OKC Thunder in 2018, after which he was traded to Rockets. 

Smith also added that while some members of Hornets organization see Westbrook as an asset, some believe y need to aim for clean cap sheet. However, with some more smart additions to roster, Westbrook could get Hornets back into playoffs. Clippers and Knicks are or teams being linked to Westbrook, out of which trade to New York team seems more likely than or. 

Also read | Report: Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston Rockets franchise? 

(Im credits: Russell Westbrook Instagram)