The Houston Rockets' failure to reach the NBA Finals last season did spark speculations that the team is up for a major overhaul, and the departure of Mike D'Antoni somehow confirmed that the Rockets are heading to that path. Now if someone is leaving, it has to be Russell Westbrook.
That's because James Harden being shipped out by Houston seemed unimaginable and likely happening only if Harden himself will file a trade request. If the initiative is coming from the Rockets front office, the break up of the Harden-Westbrook tandem will most likely result in Westbrook's exit.
Analysts are convinced that between the two, it is Westbrook that will get the cut. As pointed out by NBA Analysis Network, the partnership of Harden and Westbrook is a failed experiment and the latter has a bleak future staying with Houston.
Per the same report, Westbrook will shine if he is the lone superstar in a team. It was clear that with Harden and him on the floor and on the same side, his game will never reach an optimal level. And the best solution is to find a new squad, and his moving out should be mutually beneficial for the Rockets.
To be sure, many NBA teams would want to sign but according to Fadeaway World, the best option points to the Orlando Magic. For one, the team badly needs a point guard that is of All-Star quality, and Westbrook fits all the glaring requirements.
What Westbrook will mostly bring to the Magic's gameplay are his athleticism and versatility. The 31-year-old has made a name in the NBA as one of the hardest players to defend, which explains his 27 points per game. And Westbrook also works hard on the assist and rebound departments, which should tell Orlando that they are getting a prized asset.
Most importantly, Westbrook with the Magic will surely make the organization a serious contender next season. The potential of the former MVP teaming up with Nikola Vucevic, who is Orlando's most reliable in the past seasons, will give the Magic squad the respect that they deserve.
Simply put, Westbrook's acquisition is quite a big boost for Orlando but the team must realize that bringing him over will certainly cost. At the very least, the Magic's trade offer should be a package that includes Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Mo Bamba.
Fournier, specifically, is a sure-fire discussion starter for Houston. The Rockets will want a deadly shooter in Fournier, who last season averaged 18 points per game. And he is the Magic's go-to guy when the need to rain down threes becomes pressing, thanks to his accuracy of 39%.
Gordon and Bamba, on the other hand, are big men that will bolster Houston's rebounding and defensive plays. They are also young and that promises a long-term investment for the acquiring team.
