Russell Westbrook is ready for a very profitable trade

The All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in a deal that sent Chris Paul and two first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The move ends Westbrook’s 11-year tenure with the Thunder, which included nine trips to the playoffs and one NBA Finals appearance. Westbrook, who turns 30 in November, is now the franchise cornerstone in Houston.

The Rockets are banking on Westbrook being the final piece of the puzzle that propels them to an NBA title. The team has been to the Western Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons, but have come up short each time.

With Westbrook in the fold, the Rockets have a big three of Westbrook, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. That trio will be one of the most talented and highest-paid in the NBA.

The trade is a win-win for both sides. The Thunder get a young point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has plenty of upside. They also unload the massive contract of Paul, which will save them a ton of money in luxury tax payments.

For the Rockets, they get a proven winner in Westbrook who is still in his prime. Westbrook is coming off a season in which he averaged a triple-double for the third time in his career.

The move puts the Rockets in win-now mode and they will be expected to compete for an NBA title next season. Westbrook is set to make $38 million next season and has a player option for 2021-22.

The trade comes just days after the Lakers agreed to a deal with Anthony Davis that will team him up with LeBron James. The Lakers are now the favorites to win the NBA title next season.