The trade rumors have begun, and there are far too many options to make a proper wager on the final result. However in the words of Westbrook himself...
"Why not?"
OKC is now in a rebuilding stage after losing Paul George
George demanded a trade and ended up with Kawhi to play the Los Angeles Clippers. What was received in exchange will not be providing Westbrook with the firepower he needs to contend with the league next season. At 31 years old, time is gradually dwindling for Russ's career, all 11 seasons have been with the Thunder. This has become his home, being the only one out of the Durant/Harden/Westbrook trifecta still remaining. It seems as though the time has come for the point guard to depart as well.
Now let us discuss his options.
1. Houston Rockets
Somehow, this is actually being considered possible. The Rockets already have CP3 and former Thunder teammate James Harden. I suppose they could always use another veteran superstar. Well, maybe not. All 3 players play as the leader of their offense. Yet Harden and Paul work well, so who is to say that Russell couldn't also learn to play less as a leader. On top of all of that, the cap space just isn't there currently. Unless of course Houston dumps Clint Capela & Eric Gordon which were vital to the team last season. We shall see. This would require a bit of desperation on the Rockets part, in my opinion.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Swapping an unfulfilled Andrew Wiggins for Westbrook is a possible move. This would save OKC around $12 million a year in cap space. This trade is a bit less far off than the Rockets idea, however it is still a long shot. Karl-Anthony Towns and Russell Westbrook sure sounds like a dynamic duo to me. Perhaps Russ can teach Towns to become a bit more gritty on the floor.
3. Miami Heat
This trade has been bumped up to mutual-interest between Miami & OKC, not just a dream for the Heat. Miami may have just made a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler from Philly, but it seems as though they may not be finished. With players such as Meyers Leonard & Goran Dragic seeming like possible puzzle pieces. If this trade happens then the Miami Nights in South Florida just got a lot more exciting,
4. Detroit Pistons
Blake Griffin and Westbrook, that is a scary combo. Dunks all day and alley hoops before hitting the hay. Plus with the new addition of former MVP Derick Rose to the squad, there might just be the perfect balance in the Motor City. Rose does a great job of keeping players in check and being a constant morale boost. This is my favorite option out of all 5 teams I have listed as possible destinations for Westbrook.
5. New York Knicks
The Knickerbockers have had a terrible free agency this year. Having missed out on all of the superstars despite tailing them to the finish line. Enticing a Westbrook trade with OKC GMs would save the day for them. Sure he would be the lone star in the Big Apple, but at least then they would have a chance of luring one or two more stand-out players to the team. Westbrook just isn't going to bring home a championship by himself, he couldn't even do so with Durant and Harden by his side many years back. Russell has developed a lot more since then, so if NYC were to build around him it could maybe work.
Do you have a preferred destination for Westbrook?
Are there any teams that I failed to mention you believe he may join?
Leave your comments below, this is #sportstalk after all.
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