Russell Westbrook trade rumors continue to pile up, many feasible and some a bit ridiculous. Among potential teams were the all star guard could land are the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers. A potentially ridiculous scenario would see the Cleveland Cavaliers in play.
The Cavs are the recent NBA champions so it would be weird to see Dan Gilbert retooling at this point. Adding Westbrook to the mix seems a bit off though his ability to carry a team could be tempting.
Why would Cavs take in Westbrook?
Then again, why would a team that already has Lebron James and Kyrie Irving want someone who could eventually walk off after one season? Like the Oklahoma City Thunder, a potential land in Ohio does not give Gilbert a lock on Westbrook’s services.
Russell Westbrook already made it clear that he will not sign any deal until the NBA free agency 2017. Money is on reason and the other is opportunity to play for a contender. The Cavs are obviously a force to reckon with but the money angle is questionable.
Right now, the Cavs are already way over the luxury tax line even if the team salary budgets have spiked. Furthermore, adding another player who wants the ball in his hands may give head coach Tyron Lue more nightmares than wins.
Irving over Westbrook or vice versa
The only way this deal could work is the Cavs giving up Kyrie Irving. Everyone knows that Irving has spent all his NBA years in Cleveland and has proven he is a big asset. With that in mind, why trade off someone who can score and blend in well with James and company?
At this point, there are teams interested in trading for Westbrook but the including the Cavs makes little sense. He is undoubtedly a good addition but Westbrook’s possible entry may end up more disastrous than good.
