Russell Westbrook wants a trade: Inside look at the Rockets

Westbrook is seeking a trade from the Houston Rockets after just one season with the franchise.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday about Harden and Westbrook having doubts about the direction of the team and those concerns have apparently devolved into Westbrook wanting to go elsewhere.

Russell Westbrook in action for the Rockets.

"Russ" reportedly told the team he's "uneasy about the team's accountability and culture" and wants to return to being a floor general like he was at Oklahoma City. With Harden, there is $41.3 million due this coming season, $44.3 due in 2021-22 and a player option for $47.4 million in 2022-23. While Kelly Iko and Charania reported that the organisation centrepiece James Harden remains "locked-in" for the upcoming season, it is clear that Silas could be navigating choppy waters in Houston before the season even begins.

There was certainly cause for pause prior to Westbrook being traded to Houston: As a ball-dominant guard, Westbrook's fit within D'Antoni's offense seemed like a decent enough one, but considering that Harden is also a ball-dominant player, it didn't exactly work out as well as they'd hoped.

There is a trade to be made if the Knicks are willing to absorb the $133 million remaining on Westbrook's contract over the next three seasons. Westbrook struggled during the National Basketball Association restart after arriving at the bubble late since he contracted Covid-19. Westbrook did average 27.2 points, 7.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds during the 2019-20 season, but clearly the 32-year-old was dissatisfied with his role.