Knicks Receive: Russell Westbrook
Rockets Receive: Taj Gibson, RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, Reggie Bullock, and 2020 first-round pick.
This deal would be similar in salary amounts, thanks to the inclusion of Bullock to Houston.
The Rockets could put Barrett with Harden, and still have the veteran experience of Gibson and Bullock. Houston would also acquire Payton, who is still just 26 years old.
Lastly, the trade would give Houston a first round pick of its own in the 2020 draft.
The Rockets expect to be contenders, and they typically prefer veteran talent. But with a new coach on the way, it will be interesting to see if the philosophy changes.
James Harden will not be on the move, as he’s a staple in Houston. But it remains to be seen if the same can be said for Russell Westbrook.
