Russell Westbrook is not a name you would expect to see pop up in trades across the NBA. The 2016-17 MVP has a resume too good to not be held on to until free agency.
Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards on December 2nd from the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Wall and a first-round draft pick. Russ spent just one season alongside James Harden in Houston then reportedly requested a trade at the start of the 2020 offseason.
His final seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and his quick stint in Houston seemed to put Westbrook on edge the past few years. According to a lifelong friend of Russ, Donnell Beverly
“What’s going to make him happy? What’s important?” Beverly, explained to Michael Lee of the Washington Post, “Really, it’s just being at peace. I don’t think that’s where he’s been the last few years. I don’t think he’s been at peace.”
For a player that is known for his intensity and fiery persona on the court, Westbrook comes off as thoughtful and sensitive off the court. The 9-time All-Star is looking for a new start in Washington, wearing his old high school number and his favorite, 4.
Westbrook was not been able to don his high school number in college or the NBA due to various teammates picking it before he could. Russell explained to Lee that he liked the sentiment behind wearing his old number.
“It reminds me of who I play and what I play for. And that’s my family. My wife, my [three] kids, my mom, my dad, my brother. I’ve had 4 since I can remember. It’s something that allows me to get back to why I love the game, why I fell in love with the game.”
Westbrook had an interesting outing in the Wizard’s final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on the 19th. Now alongside another All-Star caliber shooting guard, Bradley Beal, there seems to be hope for the D.C. team to return to relevance after a rough year missing the playoffs.
Westbrook’s style of play seems like it will compliment Beal’s game better than it did for the ball-dominant Harden. Bradley Beal progressed into the second-best scorer (behind Harden) in the NBA last season and as a leader for Washington.
The Wizards face off in their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers this coming Wednesday, December 23rd.
