Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook: Desperation or a Smart Move?

If I was the owner of the New Orleans Hornets, I would be close to a nervous breakdown. My franchise point guard, who nearly knocked off the Los Angles Lakers in the playoffs, is talking about leaving for other teams. Free agency has me in a vice, as I can do nothing to keep Chris Paul in New Orleans. He is the only member of the team that has been a consistent force, and without him we will be in shambles. But there is another option! My best bet-- Trade him before he has the chance to leave on his own.

The rumor right now for Paul, is what I would consider a last ditch effort by the Hornets, is a straight up trade for Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now it is clear that Paul is the more valuable point guard, as he is a pass-first and 'look for teammates' type of player, as to where Westbrook is an offensive weapon. The only reason I am saying that Paul is better, is mainly because he is the best fit in Oklahoma City's system. Paul is a wizard when passing the ball and always finishes with a good number of assists, combine that with a good shooting touch, and Paul is the complete package.

Flip over to Westbook and he is a straight up offensive gun. He can get assists, but mainly because he has Kevin Durant flanking him and the dude never misses. Westbrook has had a great career in OKC along with Durant, and they are two fan favorites. But when it gets down to the truth, the stats show that Westbrook is a very poor shooter and is really only good at slashing to the basket and fast-break dunks. I would compare him to Rajon Rondo, but he doesn't play the same level of defense, and has a much better offensive game. Just keep him somewhere between Rondo and Deron Williams.

Westbrook to the Hornets is one thing: Another point guard doomed by a bad franchise. The entire New Orleans team needs a face-lift, and without Paul who knows where the team would go. In reality, Paul is the better choice all around, but with him most likely leaving, the Hornets should cash out when they can. Westbrook is an electrifying and young guard that has all the potential in the world, but he won't be able to fill Paul's role on the team.

The Hornets making a move for Westbrook is still their best bet. New Orleans would be crazy not to get at least some return on Paul, as he has shown little interest in resigning there, and Westbrook may be their best bet. It's not the same type of player by any means, but with the right coaching and proper teammates, Westbrook could become one of the NBA's best. The Hornets may be taking a hit with losing Paul, but at least they are getting something in return.

As for the Thunder, once the addition of Paul is complete, mark it up as an NBA Championship win. The combination of Durant and Paul on the same court is simply mind boggling, and I'm not sure if any team in the Western Conference, the Lakers included, would be able to contain both of them. Then again, everyone said the same thing about the Miami Heat, and look where they are at now.

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