Former Houston Rockets point guards Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are enjoying a vacation together following their retirements from the NBA. The two future Hall of Famers, who were famously traded for each other in 2019, share a unique career overlap. This comes as the current Houston Rockets roster looks to improve after a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, and a recent five-game form of two wins and three losses (LWWLL).
Who are the former Rockets guards on vacation?
The players are Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, two of the most dynamic point guards of their generation. Both men suited up for the Houston Rockets during their illustrious careers. They are also linked by playing for the same three franchises: the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Rockets. Their parallel paths make this post-retirement getaway a notable moment for NBA fans.
Westbrook is known for his explosive athleticism and relentless drive, averaging a triple-double for multiple seasons. Paul, often called the "Point God," is revered for his elite basketball IQ and playmaking. Despite their different styles, both left a significant mark on every team they played for, including Houston. You can explore the history of Rockets players on our [squad](/squad) page.
What connects their careers to the Houston Rockets?
The most direct link is the July 2019 trade that sent Chris Paul from Houston to Oklahoma City in return for Russell Westbrook. This move reunited Westbrook with his former Thunder teammate, James Harden. The trade was a major storyline, aiming to push the Rockets deeper into the playoffs with a new backcourt star.
Although both point guards led teams to the NBA Finals, neither secured a championship. Their time in Houston represented a chapter where championship aspirations were high. The organization has since entered a new phase, building around a younger core. The team's current performance, including that recent loss to the Lakers, shows the ongoing cycle of rebuilding and competition in the league.
What does this mean for the Rockets' legacy?
Having two certain Hall of Famers like Westbrook and Paul associated with the franchise boosts its historical profile. It reminds fans of an era when Houston was a consistent playoff contender chasing a title. Their shared vacation highlights the lasting bonds formed between players, even those who were traded for one another.
For the current Rockets, the focus is on developing talent and climbing the [standings](/standings). The recent form of two wins in their last five games indicates inconsistency that the coaching staff will aim to address. Integrating young players with veteran leadership is the current challenge, a path well-traveled by stars like Paul and Westbrook earlier in their careers.
How are the current Houston Rockets performing?
The present-day team is in a different stage. Their last recorded result was a 78-98 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026. Over their previous five games, they have a record of two wins and three losses. This sequence of results, read from most recent as Loss-Win-Win-Loss-Loss, points to a need for greater consistency on both ends of the floor.
Improving field goal percentage and three-point shooting will be key areas. The team must also focus on defensive fundamentals to avoid heavy losses like the one to the Lakers. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming [fixtures](/fixtures) as they work to establish a new identity. The legacy of great guards continues to be a standard for current players to aspire toward.
