3 reasons the Houston Rockets shouldn’t trade for Russell Westbrook

By Dan Crouch

Jul 8, 2019

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 09: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket defended by Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at Toyota Center on February 9, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MARCH 20: Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game on March 20, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in trading for the 2016-17 league MVP in a move which would reunite him and James Harden. Why should they not pursue this deal?

The Houston Rockets are interested in adding another available star after striking out on Jimmy Butler. This time, they are looking to potentially deal for the star of the Thunder, Russell Westbrook.

Owner Tilman Fertitta and General Manager Daryl Morey have both been adamant the Houston Rockets will do whatever it takes to make the team better, so the interest comes as no surprise. Russell Westbrook is contracted for two more years at $38.15 million and then $40.6 million, which would make Chris Paul the perfect trade partner salary-wise.

The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t know life without Westbrook, but his departure from the franchise he has helped build – the only NBA team he has ever played for – seems imminent.

Would this be the right move to push Houston over the championship hurdle? Here are three reasons why The Rockets shouldn’t pursue Westbrook.

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