Charania: Russell Westbrook Wants Trade From Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook “wants out of Houston”, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. This news comes after a report detailed frustration held by Westbrook and co-star James Harden over the Rockets’ future.

That report, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon, stated that the Rockets’ duo had “expressed concern” after the team experienced several key personnel changes this offseason:

As the Houston Rockets navigate an offseason of major change, a new challenge is emerging for the franchise — the uncertainty of former MVP guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook on their futures with the team, sources told ESPN.

In the wake of the departures of head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey, Harden and Westbrook have expressed concern about the direction of the franchise through direct conversations or discussions with their representatives and the Rockets’ front office, sources said.

Houston recently hired Stephen Silas to be their next head coach following the exit of Mike D’Antoni, and they promoted Rafael Stone after the departure of Daryl Morey.

Charania adds that Harden remains committed to Houston:

Westbrook played his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Rockets last summer via trade. The nine-time All-Star has three years left on the five-year, $205 million extension he signed while with the Thunder. He holds a player option worth $46.6 million for the final year of his deal in 2022-23.