It seems like things are falling apart quickly in Houston. Right after their tumultuous finish of last season, several players started to voice their concerns about their current roles with the team, with Russell Westbrook reportedly looking to move on from the franchise.
Shams Charania recently reported that the former Oklahoma City Thunder point guard doesn’t want to say with the team and that there have been several franchises inquiring about his availability, with the Charlotte Hornets recently emerging as a potential destination:
“Russell Westbrook has asked out of Houston and sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple of teams that have been mentioned as a possibility for the one-time league MVP but in Charlotte, there are moveable veteran contracts, as well as the Jordan brand connection for Westbrook. So far, in talks, the Rockets have been protective of both James Harden and Russell Westbrook but there is plenty of time between now and Wednesday’s NBA Draft,” Charania said.
The Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Rockets All-Star Russell Westbrook, sources tell our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/8hineXP3AN
— Stadium (@Stadium) November 12, 2020
Let’s not forget the fact that Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook hold a close relationship because of the Jordan brand. Moreover, MJ has constantly lauded Westbrook and even once said that he’s the player that reminds him the most of him in today’s game.
Should the Hornets make a run at Westbrook, they’d immediately become a playoff team in the Eastern Conference, although it’s unlikely that he could get them past the first round of the playoffs.
Then again, landing a bona fide star like him could only be the beginning for Michael Jordan’s team, as they could try and surround him with more stars as they look to enter win-now mode.
