This Hornets-Rockets trade breaks up the Harden-Westbrook duo

Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Rumors
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Charlotte Hornets Receive: Russell Westbrook

Houston Rockets Receive: Nicolas Batum, Devonte Graham, Malik Monk, No. 3 Pick

A trade involving Russell Westbrook requires the other team to package a lot of salary to make it work. He is set to earn roughly $41.36 million during the upcoming NBA season and is under contract potentially through the 2022-23 season.

Assuming that Nicolas Batum accepts his $27.13 million player option, this trade would work financially. The other two players combine for just $7 million in combined salary— making it impossible to bridge the salary disparity without Batum involved.

Let’s take a look at why this NBA blockbuster trade centered around Westbrook is ideal for both the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets.

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network and Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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