intends to let Westbrook enter the training camp and continue to play for the Rockets. After a certain number of games, he intends to trade him. Because the Rockets think Westbrook is not as strong as he saw in this year's playoffs, he is definitely stronger when he is healthy. To make him continue to play for the Rockets is simply to let other teams watch. But Westbrook didn't think so, he didn't plan to have a new season for the Rockets.
According to NBA reporter Shams, before the transaction was completed, Westbrook sent a message that he did not plan to enter the Rockets training camp. Means he will not play for the Rockets. As soon as this happened, it forced the Rockets to trade quickly, and within a short period of time, Westbrook replaced Volga in the first round of protection in 2023.
The Rockets panic because once the news reaches everyone’s ears, especially the management of other teams, the value of Westbrook’s transaction will quickly depreciate (anyway, Westbrook wants to leave, the longer you drag, the better Rockets are unfavorable). Just imagine if the news that Westbrook will not enter the training camp comes out, the Rockets may be more passive.
and the team that wants Westbrook will not panic at this time. Originally, the Rockets wanted Wall + 2 unprotected first rounds or Wall + Bryant +1 unprotected first rounds. This time they only get Wall and the protected first round. All this was forced by Westbrook's words.
This also shows that Westbrook really sees through the Rockets and is really unwilling to stay in this team, even for a minute. That's why he forced the management and asked to trade himself, and he was very satisfied with being traded to the Wizards.
Do you think Harden should learn Westbrook way to leave the Rockets?