This will be the narrative in Oklahoma City until either Westbrook signs an extension or is traded before the trade deadline.
My heart says no. My brain says yes.
We all love Russell Westbrook, but the Thunder have to decide if he’s fully committed to the franchise. This is simple, if he’s not, then make a trade with either the Lakers or Celtics and start the total rebuild now instead of later.
Boston has an unprotected pick from the Nets, plus an array of promising young players. The Lakers have Brandon Ingram. Presti dealt with the Celtics in the Jeff Green-Perk trade so there’s familiarity there.
This is very simple for Sam Presti–if he allows Russell Westbrook to walk without getting anything in return he should be fired the next day. This cannot happen.
Some players and the draft picks must be garnered unless Russell professes his love for Oklahoma. My guess is he’ll profess his love for the Pacific Ocean and being closer to his family.
You’d think any trade would go thru either the Lakers or Celtics.
Hurts to think about it, but in the course of a few months the Thunder could conceivably lose their core of Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka.
Welcome to the NBA.