‘Russell Westbrook could join New York Knicks’: 4 possible trade destinations for Rockets star including Bulls

Russell Westbrook has requested a trade away from the Rockets. Here we look at the 4 best possible trade destinations for the Rockets superstar.

During the intervening 4 months, Westbrook contracted the virus. His subsequent slow recovery left him little time to get back to his physical best. Westbrook then got injured during one of their dead rubber games in the bubble, which affected his availability in the second round.

Despite not being in the best physical state, the Brody gave his all on the court. However, given that he has known chemistry issues (particularly with James Harden), it’s possible the Rockets would simply not have been true contenders even if he was fully fit.

What the playoffs proved most of all is that having a non-shooting player like Westbrook against elite defensive teams will severely hamper Harden’s effectiveness. The onus is on the Houston Rockets to find either a big man who can work in the pick-and-roll with Harden, or to pair him with a good shooter.

With this in mind, we have lined up 4 possible trade destinations for Russell Westbrook:

#1 New York Knicks

Knicks get – Russell Westbrook
Rockets get – Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, Reggie Bullock and Ignas Brazdeikis, cap relief worth $7.2 million

Why the Knicks do it –

In addition to galvanizing their fanbase, getting Westbrook to their roster catapults the team into a playoff contender instead of their current basement status. They will be able to clear their rotation to allow the likes of Bobby Portis and Mitchell Robinson to truly shine. Westbrook is one of the better pick-and-roll players in the league and can allow them to reach their full putential.

Why the Rockets do it –

This trade allows the Rockets to fill out their roster without entering luxury tax territory. They get a small-ball center with a high offensive ceiling, a backup center who can crash the boards and provides defensive maturity. Bullock is an average 3-and-D player to add their lineup, while Brazdeikis is included to balance wages.

Plausibility – 7/10

#2 New Orleans Pelicans

Pelicans get – Russell Westbrook
Rockets get – Jrue Holiday, Darius Miller, cap relief worth $8.2 million

Why the Pelicans do it –

Provided they offer Brandon Ingram a contract in the $25-30 million range that he’s likely to command in the free agent market, the Pelicans will be in play for the playoffs once more. The Pelicans upgrade as a pick-and-roll team, although they take steps back on the defensive end and in terms of shooting. But the increased talent and playoff experience may be the difference that propels them back to the playoffs.

Why the Rockets do it –

Jrue Holiday is an excellent player who fits the Rockets’ profile abudantly well. He would instantly be the best guard defender they’ve had since Patrick Beverley, and his shooting has improved massively since his early days. He’s also only 30 years old and is paid less than Westbrook. Darius Miller acts as cap filler in this trade.

Plausibility – 5/10

#3 Chicago Bulls

Bulls get – Russell Westbrook
Rockets get – Otto Porter Jr, Cristiano Felicio, cap relief worth $5.3 million

Why the Bulls do it –

This puts the Bulls in a win-now position and allows them to make an instant run for the playoffs. Given the ability of their big men Wendell Carter Jr and Lauri Markkanen on the offensive end, Westbrook would be one of the best options in the league to groom them. The trade also enables Coby White to act as a spot-up shooter – a role he excelled in during patches of the past season.

Why the Rockets do it –

While the cap relief in this trade is low, Otto Porter Jr is one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the league. His presence will guarantee open looks to other players – the forward has been an elite spotup guy for 3 straight years now. Felicio is a big man who will likely not see much floor time, but he presents an intriguing prospect nevertheless.

Plausibility – 5/10

#4 Indiana Pacers

Pacers get – Russell Westbrook
Rockets get – Victor Oladipo, Jeremy Lamb and TJ Leaf, cap relief worth $5.5 million

Why the Pacers do it –

Oladipo is one those speculated to want a move from Indianapolis. Westbrook’s addition to the team allows him to dish to two big men with contrasting skillsets in Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Malcolm Brogdon switches to the shooting guard role which he is more comfortable in. The team remains spooky as ever before, with Westbrook’s nuclear athleticism making them a better transition team.

Why the Rockets do it –

The full potential of Victor Oladipo has only been apparent in a single season so far, when he made an All-Defensive First Team and an All-NBA team. Playing with Harden allows him to pick up the pace as a spot-up shooter as well as in isolation, at which he excels. Jeremy Lamb would bolster their bench and Leaf is, in theory, a shooting big man who has untapped potential.

Plausibility – 5/10