NBA Trade Rumors: Charlotte Hornets interest in Russell Westbrook is ‘real’
NBA Trade Rumors: The Charlotte Hornets’ reported interest in Russell Westbrook is real. Should they make a move for him?
As they look to make a leap into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference next season, the Charlotte Hornets could be a move or two away from truly playing a factor in the standings. While they’ve made strides each of the last two years, they’ve fallen short of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
The hope is that they can get over that hump this upcoming season. However, even with a player as great as LaMelo Ball, there’s no guarantee that the team will get there next campaign.
But there’s no question that the front office is going to try. And according to a recent report, the team’s previously reported interest in Russell Westbrook is reportedly “real.”
That’s essentially two reports, from two different sources, that suggest the Hornets would be (at least) open to the possibility of acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Los Angeles Lakers.
"[via The Ringer]The Russell Westbrook interest that Marc Stein reported months back is real."
On the surface, it makes little sense as to why the Hornets would possibly be interested in Russ. The only thing that comes to mind is the fact that he’s on an expiring contract and perhaps the Hornets view him as a way to get an additional asset. Or perhaps a way to get off of a bad contract that they have on their books – perhaps a Gordon Hayward.
Westbrook doesn’t exactly fit next to LaMelo Ball and could end up being a bad influence, depending on what you think of the former at this point in his career.
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Either way, the Hornets are a team to watch heading into the NBA Draft and free agency. They seem willing to play ball if it nets them an additional asset. Plus, they also have a big decision to make regarding Miles Bridges.