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The Russell Westbrook trade rumors are starting to heat up and all signs keep points towards Charlotte being the team that trades for him.
Last week, Westbrook requested a trade out of Houston because of his issues with James Harden among other things.
"I'm telling you what I have heard: they don't want to play with each other any more. Russell Westbrook doesn't want to play with James Harden. James Harden doesn't want to play with Russell Westbrook."
—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/qI95isyytL
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 12, 2020
NBA source confirms Russell Westbrook has asked to be traded as @ShamsCharania reported first. The source says Westbrook wants to be traded because he’s not happy with the #Rockets style of play on offense.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) November 12, 2020
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Conner is now reporting that Michael Jordan is personally pushing for the Hornets to trade for Westbrook this offseason but it’s currently unclear how committed he is about acquiring the superstar guard.
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
Via The Ringer
Since it was reported that Westbrook wants out, the Hornets have emerged as the most likely team to land him. Front office sources tell me Michael Jordan wants the 2016-17 MVP, which is unsurprising and understandable. Westbrook would put eyes on televisions and fans in the seats (once they’re able to safely return). Charlotte would win more games, too. But those same sources add that the Hornets won’t put the no. 3 pick in Wednesday’s draft on the table for Westbrook, so the organization is clearly not overly zealous to make a deal.
Westbrook is currently signed to Jordan brand so a move to Charlotte would make sense but we’ll have to see if the Hornets have enough assets to make a move for Russ.