Green was one of four Warriors players – along with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala – that traveled to the Hamptons to meet with Durant last Friday about signing with Golden State. Packed with young stars and a core that was only getting better. the Thunder looked intent on creating an National Basketball Association dynasty, with four players that were quickly rising up the National Basketball Association ladder. But that hasn’t stopped the rampant speculation, specifically the notion that Russ’ own exit from the organization is all but a foregone conclusion.
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There’s no more coveted trade target out there than super elite playmaker Russell Westbrook, who is expected to be at the center of trade rumors between now and the February trade deadline following the exit of his All-Star buddy Kevin Durant. Following the news was a wave of worries about retaining Russell Westbrook before he can ditch OKC next year as an unrestricted free agent.
Durant announced he was leaving the Thunder, and a once promising future came to a screeching impasse.
By dealing Westbrook before the season begins, the Thunder are ridding themselves of the very fire the team brings each game (it sounds cheesy but it’s true).
Turner’s David Aldridge reported Monday that there is “no chance” Westbrook would engage in extension talks before the season begins. I am also going to predict that Russell Westbrook will take the league by notice and win 16-17 MVP award. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, who are filled with young players and raw talent. Maybe he doesn’t continue on the trajectory he began a couple of years ago, but he could once again become a useful rotation player. “If you can convince Russell to stay, that’s something that you could really be happy with”. If you think he would leave because of the team’s inability to win, you know nothing about his drive as a competitor. The Lakers should not fall for the bait in trading anyone especially their young core players.
Although Westbrook is a top 5 player he is not a true point guard capable of running an offense as shown by his inability to set up shots for KD in OKC instead choosing to dripple around more than anyone else in the league.
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The Thunder played most of the 2014-15 season without Durant, who was limited to 27 games after breaking his foot. If they wait for him to join another team next summer, they will be losing quite a bit of money as they did with Durant. Would he be a helpful addition to keeping the Thunder in serious playoff contention? Even if it hits the worst case scenario, the Suns’ future has stalled, but it’s not a 10-year, or even five-year recovery process. Russell Westbrook believes he is neither Batman nor Robin, Russell Westbrook believes he can be Superman. He may be excited to run the floor with Victor Oladipo. Regardless of this whole situation, I am a Oklahoma City Thunder fan until I die.
