‘Potential’ Westbrook commerce would carry him to the East initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Philadelphia

When the Rockets let Mike D’Antoni go after Houston’s newest playoff exit, some noticed it as a sing of change coming in Texas. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless unclear what, precisely, the Rockets plan to do heading into subsequent season.

If Russell Westbrook heads out the door? Properly, then that image will turn into a lot clearer.

Westbrook’s future in Houston, the place he nonetheless has three years and greater than $130 million left on his deal, is cloudy after an odd match with James Harden and the continued disappearance of his three-point shot.

In keeping with SNY’s Ian Begley, one group that will be thinking about Westbrook if he turns into out there can be none apart from the New York Knicks, seeking to kickstart some fan curiosity because the cross-town Brooklyn Nets turn into the most well liked attraction within the Huge Apple.

Per Begley:

“One thing else to keep watch over: some brokers who signify high level guard free brokers consider the Knicks would poke round on a possible Russell Westbrook commerce if Houston makes him out there. Itâ€s value noting that Westbrook, per sources, noticed New York as a welcome touchdown spot final summer time when Oklahoma Metropolis was speaking to groups about potential trades.”

This hypothetical transfer, after all, would carry Westbrook into the Jap Convention for the primary time in his profession, and particularly into the Atlantic Division, the place he can be a daily opponent for the Sixers.

It might be an interesting transfer, and one that would assist the Knicks appeal to different free brokers, together with possibly push them into the perimeter of the playoff dialog.

How would it not have an effect on the Sixers? Another group scrounging for postseason success in a much-improved East can be a bit unlucky. Plus, he is form of dominated the Sixers throughout his profession.

All-time, Westbrook averages 23.1 factors, 9.zero rebounds, and 9.eight assists per sport in opposition to the Sixers in 21 profession matchups, taking pictures 42.6% from the sphere. He is additionally gained – prepare – 19 of these 21 profession matchups with the Sixers.

Now, that is slightly slanted as a result of a big chunk of his profession so far got here throughout the Sixers’ Course of years, so after all his superpowered Thunder groups had been smoking the likes of Isaiah Canaan and JaKarr Sampson. However nonetheless – that is quite a lot of wins! And solely a kind of two losses got here within the Embiid-Simmons period.

On the intense facet, having Westbrook within the Atlantic would imply extra of those interactions:

We’re nonetheless a methods away from this potential transfer occurring, however it might definitely fire up a number of extra storylines for the Sixers subsequent season.