New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Russell Westbrook
Houston Rockets Receive: Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, 2020 1st Round Pick (No. 13 Pick)
This trade sees Russell Westbrook head to New Orleans Pelicans. The end resulting would mean roughly $41.3 million of incoming salary. When factoring everything involved in the deal, this is just about as salary cap neutral of a move as possible.
The Houston Rockets would land Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick for around $38.3 million in salary. Along with the earnings for the No. 13 pick ($3.2 million), the Rockets would take on a total of $41.5 million— making it relatively even.
In this trade, New Orleans hypothetically bets on the production of a new duo featuring Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson duo. This choice would be an attempt to supercharge the group instead of retaining Redick, Holiday, and the No. 13 pick.
The Rockets acquire two veterans who can help make an impact on next year’s team in an effort to stay competitive — while also adding a first round pick. That would be a respectable outcome to build around James Harden with more assets to do it.
