On paper, Russell Westbrook and the Houston Rockets are a perfect fit.
Fred VanVleet is out for the foreseeable future with an ACL tear, and the Rockets have plenty of defense and athleticism to maximize Westbrook as he nears the end of his career.
As a free agent, his career might already be over, although him going out not on his own terms would be a tragic end for the living legend.
Even Kevin Durant, his former-teammate-turned-nemesis, seemed intrigued by the idea of reuniting with Westbrook. However, he may have just been friendly since he knows there’s no way it can or will happen.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 09: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 09, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Why Russell Westbrook Won’t Join Rockets
For starters, the Rockets believe they already have two point guards on the roster. Reed Sheppard is a true point guard in every sense of the word, and Amen Thompson is one of the most versatile players in the NBA.
He can certainly run the offense provided the Rockets surround him with shooters. Westbrook, a career 30.5% shooter from deep, doesn’t fit the bill.
“While VanVleetâs injury was an unfortunate blow, his absence will give Thompson and Sheppard the runway to show what they can do and where they fit in Houstonâs plans,” explained The Athletic’s William Guillory on October 9th. “Bringing in another veteran, particularly Westbrook, would take away opportunities for these guys to grow and learn on the job.”
On top of that, the Rockets are only $1.2 million under the dreaded first apron this season, and Westbrook would command over $3 million, pushing Houston over the limit.
While the Rockets officially opened their title window this summer by trading for Durant, Houston believes it can take its time if needed, and adding another veteran (only possibly by trading a young player) doesn’t make sense for the team.
Rockets Are Building for After Durant
Durant is 37 years old, and the Rockets are expected to extend him for only two seasons. After that, Houston will build around Thompson, Sheppard, and Alperen Sengun, who is already an All-Star.
Investing in a 36-year-old Westbrook, at the expense of the young core, doesn’t make sense for the Rockets. While losing in the first (and maybe even second) round of the playoffs would be considered as a failure, adding Westbrook would limit their long-term success.
Durant won’t be around forever. The Rockets made a splashy move for him, but youth remains the priority. The best thing for Houston would be for Sheppard and Thompson to be given a chance to make mistakes.
Westbrook would take from the youngsters, and his track record shows that he isn’t “mistake proof,” himself.
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