‘That’s completely fabricated’: Rockets’ Russell Westbrook releases statement on rift with James Harden

Russell Westbrook responded to a Stephen A Smith quote on Instagram yesterday which claimed he didn’t like playing with James Harden.

Its common knowledge now that Westbrook has demanded a trade away from the Rockets. The franchise has had moderate success in the playoffs. The manner in which they lost to the Lakers in 5 games this year suggests that they are not going to be contenders the way they’re currently built.

Thus, they are in desperate need of gaining talent in the right areas. Primarily, they need a big man to do some inside damage on the nights their shooting isn’t on point. With that in mind, they need to trade away Westbrook to gain relevant assets.

Westbrook slams Stephen A Smith and ESPN for lying about equation between him and Harden

On First Take yesterday morning, Stephen A Smith emphasized that Westbrook and Harden no longer want to play with each other. He said this is the major reason why Westbrook is demanding a trade from Houston.

The network put up the same content on an Instagram post yesterday. They were met with a stern reply from Westbrook, who stated it was his birthday before refuting Stephen A’s claims.

Also Read: ‘Russell Westbrook is a solo star in a team sport’: Skip Bayless explains how Rockets can win title without Russ

The Brody responded with the following curt statement in the comments of the aforementioned post:

“It’s my birthday, but I should say. This is completely fabricated. Y’all have a good night.”

Rumors of Westbrook going to the Knicks or the Hornets have been doing the rounds ever since news of his trade request has emerged. While neither team is in position to contend for a championship now, adding Westbrook would make them playoff contenders and forces to be reckoned with in the East.