The Phoenix Suns should refrain from trading for Russell Westbrook
By Adam Maynes
The Suns would not be acquiring a walking triple-double
Yes, the Western Conference is a death trap and a team like the Phoenix Suns as constructed have no chance of competing at the level that their fans desire and so many other franchise’s in the Conference are able.
But what kind of a player would the Suns be getting in Westbrook anyway?
While only 31-years-old at the start of the season, he could hypothetically still put up averages similar to the ones he’s been averaging in OKC for the last three seasons – he has averaged a triple-double every year since Kevin Durant left for Golden State.
Yes, he had Paul George each of the last two seasons, and his scoring average has dropped by 10 points over than span while his assists and rebounds averages have stayed fairly static.
However, Westbrook would not average a triple-double when playing side-by-side with Booker and Ayton. Booker in particular will soak up a large enough chunk of the ball-handling duties to pull away from Westbrook, while Ayton is a far more potent scorer than Steven Adams and will demand the ball at an increased level on the offensive end as he continues to improve.
If the Phoenix Suns are paying a player $40+ million on a player who has averaged a triple-double for three consecutive years but is likely destined to drop to more pedestrian levels (let’s say over four seasons he averaged 17 points, 8 assists, and 6-7 rebounds), would he really be worth it?