Report: Russell Westbrook Eyes Team Where He Can 'Be Himself' Amid Trade Rumors

Russell Westbrook apparently wants to go back to being Russell Westbrook.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported that part of Westbrook's displeasure with the Houston Rockets stems from a desire to "be himself" on the floor.

While the Rockets often traded off possessions between Westbrook and James Harden, the 2017 NBA MVP played off the ball more often than perhaps at any other point in his career. Even when teaming with Kevin Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook most often dictated the pace of the offense.

It would be inaccurate to say Westbrook was not an integral part of Houston's offense. He and Harden essentially had what amounted to a 50-50 split. Harden posted a usage rate of 36.3 percent, while Westbrook's was 34.4 percent. Westbrook's usage rate actually went up from his final season in Oklahoma City.

However, the structure of Houston's offense dictated that Westbrook had to use his possessions differently. His assist percentage was his lowest since the 2011-12 season and second-lowest of his career. Both Harden's and Westbrook's assist rates dropped as a result of playing together.

While that may have been a workable partnership if it led to a deep playoff run, the Rockets were pummeled by the Lakers in the second round and are a franchise in disarray. General manager Daryl Morey walked away, only to take a new job with the Philadelphia 76ers weeks later. Coach Mike D'Antoni chose to become an assistant under Steve Nash with the Brooklyn Nets rather than pursue staying with the Rockets another season.

The franchise as a whole appears destined to combust and enter a multiyear rebuild. Trading Westbrook or Harden would hasten what is seemingly inevitable.