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Things could get interesting for the Houston Rockets this summer.
After flaming out in the first round of the postseason as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, Houston will likely make changes to their roster to help it make a deeper postseason run in 2026-27.
While far from a blockbuster addition, Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek believes that reuniting with a former Los Angeles Lakers guard who endured a nightmare stint with the franchise in the early 2020s could be a positive move.
There was a time when Westbrook was one of the league's best playmakers and someone who could elevate almost any roster,” Polacek wrote Tuesday. “The 2026-27 season will not be that time. With concerns about his shooting efficiency, turnovers, and overall usage rate, no contender is going to make the 2016-17 MVP a centerpiece of their offense next season.”
“But Westbrook is still someone who can attack the basket, rebound from the backcourt and provide an immediate boost to a bench unit lacking offensive firepower, which could make a significant difference for some contenders.”
“As for the Rockets, Westbrook's willingness to get out in transition and draw multiple defenders his way should open up looks on the wing. Whether he is doing that while bolstering the second unit or mixing in with starting shooters such as Kevin Durant, there is an impact to be made.”
The excitement surrounding Westbrook’s 2021 arrival in Los Angeles was unreal, as many believed the Lakers’ blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards could put the franchise over the top.
Unfortunately for Los Angeles, Westbrook’s poor shot selection, out-of-control/reckless nature, and below-average situational awareness left the Lakers no choice but to move on from the 37-year-old former MVP after less than two years via a trade to the Utah Jazz.
Westbrook, who started his NBA career alongside Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been serviceable since then in less demanding roles, which could motivate Houston to pursue him as a second-unit energizer burner on the free-agent market.
The UCLA product averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds with the Sacramento Kings last season, shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.8% from three. Be on the lookout for a potential Westbrook-Rockets signing this summer.
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