Takeaways from the Russell Westbrook Trade

Russell Westbrook has been traded, but not to the Miami Heat. The former MVP will be going to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul and a slew of draft picks. Westbrook will be reunited with James Harden as they try to bring the Rockets their first NBA title since 1995. What are the takeaways from the OKC-Houston trade?

• ​It’s the End of an Era for Oklahoma City: First, Harden was let go to Houston. Then, Kevin Durant left town. Paul George came, but went to the Clippers soon after. Now, Westbrook is going to Houston for Chris Paul. However, Oklahoma City does get two protected first-round picks and two pick swaps to go with Paul. Sam Presti continues to haul in Picks for Oklahoma City in an effort to maximize their rebuild.
• This is Daryl Morey’s Biggest Gamble: The fact that Daryl Morey has done everything in his power to assemble an NBA title team through any means necessary is psychotic. He was hellbent on taking down the Warriors and has the opportunity to establish Houston as the top dog in the Western Conference with the Warriors losing Kevin Durant. There are a couple things Morey should take heed of: Westbrook’s age (30) and his contract. Westbrook’s contract is extremely backloaded, with Westbrook being paid roughly $47 million in his final year. This may work in Morey’s favor or it just may blow up in his face.
  
• Surprisingly, Eric Gordon and Clint Capela Stay: For now, at least. Two trade chips that Houston was looking to move didn’t get shipped. Still, the Rockets will look to see if Westbrook can be a good fit in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense. Chris Paul was feuding with Harden, so maybe an old teammate can help Harden in the Beard’s quest for the first NBA title of his career. 🧔🏾

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