12up Logo

3 Teams Dumb Enough to Trade for Russell Westbrook

By Sean Facey

The Houston Rockets are looking to send Russell Westbrook packing.
The Houston Rockets are looking to send Russell Westbrook packing. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

It was only a matter of time before the Houston Rockets realized that trading for Russell Westbrook was a mistake. Despite their 21-10 start to the year, the Rockets have struggled to find success when Westbrook is on the court, and now they're reportedly open to moving him. Though it might be hard to ship him out considering his massive contract, there are at least a few teams that could be convinced because, well, they aren't the most efficiently-run organizations in the NBA.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves could be foolish enough to take on another bad contract.
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be foolish enough to take on another bad contract. / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Timberwolves are such a mess that they might actually be willing to pull the trigger on a trade with the Rockets. Considering they're 11-19, they may think acquiring Westbrook couldn't possibly make things any worse. The Rockets have expressed interest in Robert Covington, so perhaps a deal involving him and another sizable contract could make this a reality.

2. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat could throw chemistry to the wind and try pairing Westbrook with star Jimmy Butler.
The Miami Heat could throw chemistry to the wind and try pairing Westbrook with star Jimmy Butler. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Heat were linked to Westbrook throughout the offseason, and they might actually see this as their second chance to pair him with star Jimmy Butler. Nevermind the fact that Westbrook is only shooting 23.8% from 3-point territory or that he might end up ruining the chemistry of a solid 22-8 team -- if this was a possibility in the offseason, there's no reason it wouldn't be a possibility now. Westbrook not working out with James Harden isn't surprising in the slightest, so it's hard to believe the Heat have changed their minds here.

1. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks could throw their young players' development to the wind in a Westbrook deal.
The New York Knicks could throw their young players' development to the wind in a Westbrook deal. / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

If there's one team in the NBA dumb enough to try and trade for a player as inefficient as Westbrook, it would most certainly be the Knicks. They're a team without a veteran star and without direction. They would be completely clueless to the possibility that Westbrook's high-volume shooting and stat-padding ways could stunt their young players' growth. All the Knicks care about is box office names, and recognition is one of the few areas in which Westbrook excels. Could Dennis Smith Jr. be on his way to Houston in this deal?