Houston Rockets: Buy or sell on Russell Westbrook trade destinations

Orlando Magic (+300) – Sell to find some floor spacing

Since Dwight Howard departed following the 2011-12 season, the Orlando Magic have been stuck in a woeful place. They missed the NBA Playoffs for six consecutive seasons following his exit and have made it the last two, being bumped out in the first round both times. Trying to get back into legitimate contention, trading for a star makes sense, but Russell Westbrook does not fit their needs.

The Magic shot 34.5 percent from 3-point territory this season, 25th in the league. Orlando needs floor spacers, and as previously mentioned, that is not Westbrook’s forte. With an overloaded selection of frontcourt talent that already crowds the lane, Russ only compromises the dilemma further.

New York Knicks (+275) – Thoroughly consider it, but ultimately sell

The New York Knicks are the popular pick to pull the trigger on a Russell Westbrook trade, but his fit might not make much sense. In addition to the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Knicks have a slew of ascending talent to build around with RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and Frank Ntilikina, making the need for a 32-year-old Westbrook questionable as they embrace their young core.

On the other hand, newly-appointed head coach Tom Thibodeau is reportedly pushing the team to make “win-now moves,” according to the Daily News’ Stefan Bondy. While Westbrook could certainly help them do that, at least hypothetically, it also jeopardizes the development of their current talent and any chance of getting a big fish in the 2021 free agency class.

The New York Knicks have the assets to get a deal done, but this might be one instance where they are better off standing pat.