With the shocking news that Kevin Durant has decided to join the Golden State Warriors, it’s not unrealistic to conclude that his old Oklahoma City Thunder squad is in panic mode.
Not only did Durant leave a team that he’s played for over the past nine seasons, he joined the organization that defeated his Thunder in the playoffs. He did so while leaving fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook quite alone in Oklahoma City.
Now, after the dust has settled on Durant’s earth-shattering decision, the Thunder are left contemplating how to move forward. Part of that contemplation reportedly includes the possibility of trading Westbrook (more on that here).
On the surface, this makes absolutely no sense. Why would Oklahoma City trade its best player, pretty much giving up on the 2016-17 altogether? Well, Russ is set to become a free agent next summer and has indicated he will not sign an extension before then.
In reality, the Thunder really can’t afford to lose Westbrook for nothing and expect to remain competitive in the Western Conference. If that’s the thinking of the front office, it might simply be time to move on from the elite point guard.
Here’s a look at four potential trade destinations for one of the top players in today’s NBA.
1. Boston Celtics
We already know Boston was a finalist for Durant’s services before he ultimately chose Oakland. So why shouldn’t the Celtics make a play for Westbrook should he become available?
The idea here would be to move score-first point guard Isaiah Thomas to the two-guard position with Russ taking over the point.
Boston can make this deal worth Oklahoma City’s while by offering defensive specialist Avery Bradley, this year’s No. 3 pick Jaylen Brown and a bunch of future first-round picks to the Thunder. It kinda makes perfect sense, especially after Boston was able to nab All-Star center Al Horford.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
There’s little question that the Lakers will make a play for native son Westbrook on the free-agent market next summer. Instead of waiting for a year, could the team decide to move on this option right now?
It would be a tricky proposition with Russ set to become a free agent and not willing to sign an extension right now. Though, he could very well make a promise to the Lakers organization that he will re-sign with them should they offer a max contract.
In any event, this is the type of addition Los Angeles needs to make in order to return to relevance.
It could very well offer D’Angelo Russell (same position as Russ), Julius Randle and a future pick to the Thunder for the All-Star point guard.
3. Miami Heat
Also a finalist for Durant, the Heat might very well be an attractive option for Westbrook in free agency next summer. Always relevant when it comes to big-name players, trading for the All-Star also makes a ton of sense here.
Even if the Heat were to retain Dwyane Wade, he could team up with Russ in the backcourt until he decides to call it quits. After that, the Heat would be Westbrook’s team.
In terms of a package heading to the Thunder in this hypothetical trade, it would have to start with Goran Dragic and his contract to make the salaries work. After that, Justise Winslow would likely be an option to replace Durant at the three.
For Oklahoma City, this would be all about thinking long-term. Winslow and Victor Oladipo wouldn’t be a bad one-two punch. Add Dragic to the mix, and this isn’t necessarily a lottery team.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Talk about a young team on the rise. With the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine, the Wolves seem to be a year or two away from real contention.
What about adding that important point guard to the mix as a way to upgrade from Ricky Rubio? It really does make too much sense. Just imagine the inside-out game Russ and Towns would bring to the table.
Add in a Durant-lite player in Wiggins, and it would be a perfect fit for the Thunder guard.
Though, Minnesota would likely have to yield LaVine as well as Rubio to make this deal worth it for the Thunder. It might also have to throw in Kris Dunn and picks for it to work out. Is that something Minnesota would consider?