The “small ball” experiment in Houston is seemingly over with several reports of Rockets players frustrated with their roles on the team and the “… team’s accountability and culture…” (Shams Charania/The Athletic.) Following the previous departures of head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey, the Rockets are reportedly headed towards more significant changes. Russell Westbrook has asked the Rockets to trade him (Shams Charania/The Athletic), and here we will look at 5 possible trade destinations for the former MVP.

New York Knicks

Included in the report from Shams Charania of the The Athletic was the fact that Russell Westbrook “…wants to join a team where he can a role similar to his prior, floor-general role in Oklahoma City.” After having been linked to the Knicks for years, this trade would send Russell to New York, where he could play as a floor general and have complete control over the offense. The addition of Westbrook may give the Knicks the added pull they need to attract big name free agents.

Los Angeles Clippers

This blockbuster trade sends Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles to play for the Clippers in return for Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, and Patrick Beverley. The addition of Westbrook would create a superstar trio with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George certainly capable of competing for a championship. Russell would provide the Clippers with a primary ball-handler that they oftentimes lacked last season.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have seen their point guard minutes filled mostly by D.J. Augustin and Markelle Fultz, Russell Westbrook would give them an All-Star caliber player at the position. The duo of Westbrook and Nikola Vucevic could prove to function extremely well and push the Magic further into playoff contention.

Charlotte Hornets

After losing Kemba Walker last offseason, the Hornets are in need of an All-Star caliber player who can help them compete. Russell Westbrook fits the bill perfectly, he is a dynamic, athletic player that Charlotte can acquire through this trade and give them a chance at competing for a playoff spot in the 2020-2021 season.

Detroit Pistons

A “big contract” swap of Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin, plus a “sweetener” from the Pistons, such as a second-round pick or a young player like Khyri Thomas, might do the trick for both these teams. The Pistons should be ready to move on from Blake Griffin, who would provide a bigger inside presence for Houston, and the Pistons may want to acquire Westbrook as a veteran to pair with their young core.

Review

Russell Westbrook will surely draw attention from many teams around the league. He is a former MVP and still one of the premiere point guards in the league that not only helps his team to compete, but draws the attention of fans thanks to his athleticism. The next few days will bring more rumors and developments into this story, but the looming possibility that Russell Westbrook has played his last game in a Houston Rockets jersey can no longer be ignored.