NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team

NBA Trades Southwest Division – Houston Rockets: Russell Westbrook

This one is certainly interesting to think about. The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade for former MVP Russell Westbrook has quickly backfired, and halfway through the season, they already want to trade him away.

Given the guard’s enormous salary and his subpar play this season, many believed that no team would possibly consider trading for him. Yet, recent NBA rumors suggest that the Houston Rockets might be willing to entertain a deal.

Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) reported earlier in the week that the Rockets, where Westbrook previously played, could take the guard off LA’s hands.

However, it would take a sufficient amount of draft compensation from the Lakers to convince the Rockets to do so. Stein noted that the rebuilding Rockets could send John Wall to Los Angeles, as the veteran has not suited up for Houston this season and will not accept a buyout to play elsewhere.

If the Rockets were to accept a deal for Westbrook, at least they would be getting some draft picks attached rather than just keeping Wall on the bench. It would likely be a similar situation as the Rockets would look to move the guard elsewhere or buy him out.

It would undoubtedly be something to see the Rockets swing a trade for the 2016-17 MVP once again. Of course, some would be skeptical of the move, but if Houston can add some more picks for the rebuild, it would make it far easier to digest.