The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets have reportedly discussed a potential deal involving Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
According to Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, conversations were had regarding a trade that would send George to Houston in return for Westbrook, Robert Covington, and Houston’s 2022 first round pick.
Pick discussed was a 2022 1st round pick NOT a 2023 first rounder.
My mistake. https://t.co/2MK40Hyxud
— 👑📍Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, M.A. (@ScoopB) November 13, 2020
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Westbrook wanted off the Rockets. The Clippers were immediately named as a possible suitor, as were the New York Knicks.
“It is interesting the last 24 hours,” Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said. “I did have multiple sources that I trust tell me that teams believe Russell Westbrook could be had—that Westbrook could be had—and I’ve heard the Clippers have interest.”
If this trade were to go through, it would have massive implications for the entire Western Conference. Westbrook averaged a triple-double over the course of three straight years from 2016 to 2019, won two scoring titles, and made it to nine All-NBA Teams. George is a six-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team pick, and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive team on four occasions.
Now we know. https://t.co/1W8XNZ9n7y
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 11, 2020
That said, both players come with their fair share of negatives.
Westbrook is a 32-year-old whose game relies heavily on his diminishing athleticism and is owed $41.3 million this year, $44.2 million in 2021-22, and $47 million in 2022-23.
George, meanwhile, had some very notable issues in the locker room with several of his teammates this past year. There was his beef with Montrezl Harrell, the time his attempt to give a motivational speech was met with “eye rolls and bewilderment,” and the instance of Kawhi Leonard’s trainer mercilessly mocking him.
No matter what happens at #themasters Bryson DeChambeau is going home a winner. https://t.co/vAWRosFcmS
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 12, 2020
That said – George is still a tremendous talent. He shot a career high 41.2 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season, while also averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. On defense, although at times he looked a little less spry than in years past, he was still arguably the Clippers’ best on-ball defender.
George is currently entering the second year of a potentially three-year deal with the Clippers. He will make $35.4 million in 2020-21 and has a player option for $37.9 million in 2021-22.
Ouch. https://t.co/Ndzz4AX0kH
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 12, 2020
Westbrook, while somewhat diminished from his prime, is also still a very good player. This past year he averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per outing. For all the talk about his decline, that scoring total was actually his highest since 2016.
Obviously everything is very fluid and anything can happen, but this is now the second time it has been confirmed that the Clippers and Rockets are discussing a possible trade. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Will a deal ultimately happen? Time will tell.
Related: Pacers Trading Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner In 3-Team Deal?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
