Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors: Michael Jordan 'Wants' Rockets PG on Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly the "most likely" team to land Russell Westbrook in a trade with the Houston Rockets, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer. 

Owner Michael Jordan reportedly wants Westbrook, and O'Connor noted it's "unsurprising and understandable" as the 32-year-old would help the team on the court as well as improving TV ratings and attendance figures when fans are able to return.

However, O'Connor reported the Hornets aren't willing to trade the No. 3 overall pick in any deal, "so the organization is clearly not overly zealous" to make the trade happen.

The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers also reportedly are interested in the point guard, per O'Connor, but overall interest is "minimal." 

Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne and Zach Lowe of ESPN reported on Sunday the Rockets have been "actively searching" for trade partners but there is a "relatively barren" market for Westbrook.

The guard is owed over $84 million over the next two seasons, plus a $46.7 million player option for 2022-23.

This price tag could hurt his appeal for many teams, although the Hornets have decent financial flexibility with the sixth-most practical cap space in the NBA, per Spotrac.

Adding a nine-time All-Star would certainly help Charlotte improve upon last year's 23-42 record while generating some much-needed excitement for the fanbase. The team has missed the playoffs in each of the last four years and hasn't gotten out of the first round since the last iteration of the franchise in 2002.

Westbrook averaged 27.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season, both of which would have led the Hornets, while his 47.2 field-goal percentage was a career high.

O'Connor projected young players like P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges or Devonte' Graham could headline the Hornets' package in a potential deal, along with future first-round picks and expiring contracts to balance the trade.

The No. 32 overall pick in Wednesday's draft could also be available.