Matt Barnes reveals Knicks, Pistons and Pelicans interested in Westbrook

Matt Barnes reveals Knicks, Pistons and Pelicans interested in Westbrook
Matt Barnes and Russell Westbrook

After a disappointing run in the previous playoffs, everyone knew the Houston Rockets need a rebuild in one way or the other. The franchise started by making some serious front office changes, but ever since that it all started going downhill for the Rockets. Their marquee players James Harden and Russell Westbrook have been rumoured to be interested in leaving the franchise. 

While Harden is linked to a major move to Brooklyn Nets. Westbrook has plenty of options. Earlier Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Westbrook wanted to move out of the Houston Rockets. Now, in his recent appearance on his podcast, All The Smoke, former NBA star Matt Barnes spoke about the teams interested in Westbrook. Barnes said that New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks are interested in trading for the 9-time All-Star. 

Which franchise is best for Brodie? 

Given that Westbrook is 32-years-old, he lacked fitness at least in the previous season. Having played only 57 games in this season, Westbrook would look for a franchise where he could be the primary ball handler. It is expected that the competition to rope in a player like Westbrook would be tremendous. But recent reports from multiple NBA insiders paint a different picture. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor said, “Multiple league sources say interest in Westbrook is minimal.”  

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ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Zach Lowe in a recent report said, “The Rockets have been actively searching for trade partners for Westbrook, but that marketplace is proving relatively barren.” 

The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young in a recent piece said, “There aren’t many suitors for Westbrook.” 

All of these reports suggest the concerns that teams have with Brodie. The teams in the NBA are not looking to sign someone of a huge wage bill like that of Westbrook. Brodie has a remaining contract which earns him $44.2 million per year. That is a hefty wage bill to pay for a player who hasn’t been in contention for the MVP in any way. 

Given his recent stint at Rockets, the teams are scrutinizing Russ’ style. The 32-year-old has not been comfortable in sharing his duties as a guard. And a championship team won’t be amenable to the same.

Also Read: Houston Rockets trade Robert Covington to Portland Trailblazers