Despite being firmly lodged in the current Play-In race, rumors have already started swirling about what the Charlotte Hornets may be plotting this offseason. As initially reported by long-time NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Hornets have been mentioned as a team to watch regarding Russell Westbrook trade rumors.
Charlotte Hornets mentioned as potential trade suitor for Russell Westbrook
For context, Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers appear ready to part ways after just one year together in what was an incredibly frustrating season. Westbrook’s on-court fit with the Lakers was questionable from the moment they traded for him last offseason, and it did not take long for problems to surface in Los Angeles alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Set to miss the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers will likely attempt to trade Westbrook in the offseason as soon as they are allowed to do so. The Hornets being named as a potential suitor for the former All-Star is undoubtedly intriguing.
First and foremost, this is not the first time that the Hornets are on the record showing interest in Westbrook. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported in November of 2020 that Charlotte emerged as a potential suitor for the former league MVP when the Houston Rockets were looking to trade him prior to being sent to the Washington Wizards. Less than two years later, Westbrook is on the market once again, and the Hornets’ interest has resurfaced.
Their interest was questionable back then, and it is still questionable two seasons later. Although trading for Westbrook would bring aboard added star power, it would raise plenty of questions on Charlotte’s end. With that being said, let us break down two reasons why the Charlotte Hornets should not swing a trade for Westbrook this coming offseason.