Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

Bruins in the NBA: Russell Westbrook traded to the Houston Rockets

By Mike Regalado

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a made basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a made basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NBA offseason has reached another climactic point as former UCLA basketball player Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul and draft picks.

It has been a relatively busy NBA offseason for former UCLA Bruins in regards to free agency and trades, but on Thursday, Russell Westbrook made the biggest splash of the summer as it has been reported that he has been traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets.

RELATED: Beau Bridges to Portray John Wooden  in a one-man play

This news comes on the heels of free agency which had several spectacular moves including Anthony Davis being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant signing with the Brooklyn Nets and Kawhi Leonard sign withing the Los Angeles Clippers, just to name a few.

More from Go Joe Bruin

But this trade tops all of those considering what was given up for Westbrook. In return, Oklahoma City gets veteran point guard Chris Paul and two first-round picks. Paul looks like he might not remain in OKC as it has been reported that the Miami Heat are showing interest in a deal for the All-Star.

As for Westbrook, he will be reunited with his former teammate in Oklahoma City, James Harden, which means that the Rockets could be legitimate title contenders. The only question is, “how will they divide-up time with the rock?”

Both Westbrook and Harden demand the ball and like to be the center of attention. Last season, Westbrook averaged 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game while Harden put up 36.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds. That’s a lot of isolation.

But they do have a history together, and with this newfound opportunity with a new franchise, both should be able to make it work.

Other NBA Bruin News

Darren Collison has retired from the NBA and will direct all of his attention toward his faith. Trevor Ariza signed a two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings. In the trade for Anthony Davis, the Lakers sent Lonzo Ball to the New Orleans Hornets.