1 new potential suitor emerges for Russell Westbrook

A possible lifeline has surfaced for Russell Westbrook.

The Houston Rockets are viewed as a “serious destination” for the former NBA MVP Westbrook, according to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Eric Jay Santos. Such interest would reportedly be contingent on Westbrook accepting a veteran’s minimum contract in Houston however.

Westbrook, who turns 38 later this year, spent last season with the Sacramento Kings. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game but did virtually nothing to contribute to winning for the 22-60 Kings.

Now Westbrook is still unsigned a full month into the official NBA free agency period. Should he successfully land with a new team, the nine-time All-Star guard would be entering his 19th season in the league.

Of course, Westbrook has plenty of history with the Rockets as well. He already played in Houston during the 2019-20 NBA season and was notably teammates with current Rockets players Kevin Durant and Steven Adams on the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to that.

Houston is looking to be rejuvenated after winning 52 games last season but falling in the first round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Lakers. While the return next season of Fred VanVleet from his ACL tear will give them the true point guard they were lacking, perhaps Westbrook could enter the fold as well (assuming that the Rockets are not put off by the unflattering report that recently emerged about him).