Report: Hornets a potential suitor for Westbrook
The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a potential trade destination for Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook, reports Stadium's Shams Charania.
Westbrook's ties to Jordan Brand - his lucrative shoe deal with the company closely tied to Hornets owner Michael Jordan - and the team's current roster composition filled with moveable contracts could make a move to Charlotte feasible.
Charlotte is paying Terry Rozier and Cody Zeller a combined $34.3 million next season in addition to Nicolas Batum's $27.1-million player option, which he's likely to accept. No other player on the roster makes more than $6 million annually.
The nine-time All-Star reportedly asked out of Houston on Wednesday after one season with the organization. Westbrook cited a lack of accountability, discipline, and structure as reasons why he wants to leave.
A previous report indicated both Westbrook and star running mate James Harden were concerned with the direction of the franchise following the departures of former general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D'Antoni.
The eventual-champion Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Rockets in the second round of the playoffs after Houston finished the regular season with a 44-28 record.