The Charlotte Hornets seem poised to make a move for Russell Westbrook. In the past few days, they have emerged as pretty serious candidates, and (at least on paper) have the assets they need to make a decent offer.
The Hornets, however, may hold off on making that move until after draft day. With the third pick, Charlotte has the chance to get a really nice player, and their eyes are set on young sharpshooter LaMelo Ball.
Having LaMelo and Westbrook on the same team is obviously cause for concern, which is why the chances of Charlotte making a trade for Russ will be impacted by what happens tomorrow night.
(via Marc Stein of the New York Times)
In the Hornets’ case, there is a belief in some corners of the league that their appetite for a Westbrook trade increases significantly if Charlotte does not land LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in Wednesday’s draft. Michael Jordan, Charlotte’s owner, is a known Westbrook admirer. Should the playmaking Ball be drafted before the Hornets’ turn at No. 3, according to the theory, there is a much stronger case to be made for trading for Westbrook in spite of the cost and attendant risk.
Some league insiders believe that the Hornets, at Jordan’s behest, want Ball at No. 3 should Minnesota and Golden State keep the top two picks to select Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman. Others see Charlotte springing a surprise at No. 3 and selecting the fast-rising Onyeka Okongwu.
As a hard-nosed, give-it-your-all competitor, Russell Westbrook is exactly the type of player that appeals to Michael Jordan — Hornets owner and former Bulls superstar who also played with a similar level of passion.
It’s hard to say what his impact on the Hornets would be, but the franchise would no doubt welcome him as their new face and leader. Russ, 32, did an admirable job leading the Thunder before he was traded in 2019, so who’s to say he couldn’t do it again in Charlotte?
Of course, none of it will matter if they get their hands on LaMelo, a young shooter and talented scorer who may just be the best player in the draft.
