Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook Trade Cited as 'Haunting Deal' for Rockets

Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook Trade Haunts Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets' rebuilding phase is long finished and rarely discussed now. They still hold valuable draft picks, largely due to the James Harden trade in 2021 with the Brooklyn Nets. These picks include the Phoenix Suns' 2027 and 2029 first-round selections.

However, the Rockets' 2026 first-round pick is set to go to the Oklahoma City Thunder unless it lands in the top four, which would indicate a very poor season for Houston. This situation stems from the 2019 trade that sent Chris Paul to the Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook, along with first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, plus pick swaps in 2021 and 2025.

Houston only secured one season with Westbrook, while Paul’s Thunder team finished with an identical 44-28 record. Both teams clashed in the playoffs, engaging in a grueling seven-game series.

"In July 2019, the Rockets were clinging to fading hopes of making a championship run with James Harden and tried this deal out of desperation. It effectively flatlined those dreams for good and shifted everything for the franchise. Westbrook was always a strange choice to slot alongside Harden."

Bleacher Report identified this trade as the one that continues to haunt the Rockets in 2025, marking a pivotal moment that altered the franchise’s trajectory.

Overall, the Paul-Westbrook trade symbolizes a critical misstep that still impacts the Rockets' future decisions and draft assets.

more

Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated — 2025-11-01

More News