Trading Westbrook for scraps makes zero sense unless we're also trading Harden to blow it up. Harden + WB is still a 2nd round exit minimum, with WB healthy maybe we could've gotten further. I'm only dealing WB if Knicks is giving up at least 4 future picks otherwise WB will just have to play out his contract here.
No I’m not saying Morey would trade for Westbrook. I’m saying Westbrook and Simmons are much the same but Ben being taller and mobile has a Giannis, you have to “build a wall of defenders at FT line scheme” against him. How he could work next to Harden but Westbrook doesn’t really work. My best guess is Westbrook to New York. They just want us to come down on our asking price. Rockets using media/Hornets as leverage. Any other teams for same cause.
Now you have gotten 3 picks if that's the Westbrook of 2017. Now since then he got embarrassed by Damian which totally ruined his reputation. Got Covid and injured and had another mediocre postseason. One can be glad to actually get something decent for him, do not expect too much.
@saleem I would like this deal from Hornets though. Just don’t think they are desperate enough for Jordan to pull the trigger on. https://tradenba.com/trades/Auywxd8hY
I think the Hornets package could be better than the Knicks. Neither of them will give up their lottery picks. If the Hornets choose LaMelo, WB's chances going there may decrease, but if Rozier says I want to leave, then they may want WB for him. LaMelo is talented, but he isn't quite ready. The obstacle will be Devonte's backers.
With Westbrook the Hornets make the playoffs.....but does that mean much to them? With Westbrook the Knicks make the playoffs......but from that brings money/ other FA’s. A few years back Forbes had New York and Lakers as making $200 to 300 million per year. Knicks could go in luxury tax area if things get back to normal. Knicks are more likely to not be outdone. In order to compete with Durant/Kyrie/Nets Thibs is not much on offense......easy for coach to toss the ball out there and say do your thing Russ. Probably remind him of D Rose.
Whatever you said makes sense, but we need the 8th and Frank as starting points. I'm not opposed to Dennis Smith along with Frank, but Rozier is better than Smith. The 8th pick will only be useful if a very solid player is available. NYK may retain Robinson. Randle is okay, but he doesn't play any defense.
With Westbrook the Knicks barely make the 8th to 9th seed, might get beaten by a dark horse. The Knicks would need a second Allstar to make it more interesting.
You overrate the East. Raptors might be barely making the playoffs without VanVleet/Ibaka/Gasol. They have Lowery/Siakam/Powell/Anunoby and that’s it. Outside of Bucks/Heat/Nets/76ers/Celtics......not much.
Requires multiple team trade. For example: LAC: Russ Westbrook, Jason Richardson PHI: CP3, Paul George OKC: Al Horford, Pat Beverley, Danuel House + 76ers FRP HOU: Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle
NYK are reluctant to part with Mitchell Robinson and their 8th overall pick. CHA appear to be willing to trade 3rd overall pick and players for Russ. ORL desperately want to move into top 10 from their 15th overall pick. PHI want to add CP3 orJru and/or Buddy Hield. There are multiple opportunities for Rockets to take advantage of if Morey were still GM.
Westbrook never struggled to get to the playoffs in the West. He may get a team homecourt in the East.
Not that I trust ScoopB of course but Kawhi does want a PG. And Russ is from LA and is close to PG13.
