‘Michael Jordan and Hornets giving up on Russell Westbrook’: Rockets star left hanging by Charlotte front-office

Michael Jordan won’t be jeopardizing the Hornets’ draft plans this year in order to bring Russell Westbrook to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets were reportedly interested in trading for the Brody. These rumors started right on the day Russ made it clear he wants a trade away from the Rockets. While it is unclear what assets the Hornets have put up for sale, they’re definitely not going to ship too many picks.

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The Hornets have not had an All NBA caliber player on their team throughout their history. Westbrook would instantly raise the franchise’s profile and be a contender for GOAT status in Charlotte. But the price to pay for him may be too steep if it involves this year’s no. 3 pick which they own.

What can the Hornets offer the Rockets in exchange for Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s wantaway status will clearly drive down his trade value. As things stand, he’s owed over $130 million over the next 3 seasons, and he’s 32 years old now.

Players like him depending mainly on his athleticism are usually fast-declining assets. Even if the Brody can power the Hornets to the playoffs this season, there is no way to know how long he can be an elite athlete.

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Sources: The Hornets likely won’t put the #3 pick in Wednesday’s draft on the table for Russell Westbrook. Hornets owner Michael Jordan certainly has interest in acquiring Russ, but the organization is clearly not overly zealous to make a deal. Nobody is. https://t.co/yriN1AkhEh

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 16, 2020

In all probability, the Hornets will look to offload the Nick Batum contract, which ends after this season and is worth $27 million. They will also look to trade away Cody Zeller, but the Rockets will be looking for at least one positive asset.

Since the Rockets are missing 2 of their picks till 2024 because of the Westbrook trade, they would probably want a couple of them. It is unclear which picks the Hornets will include.