The Oklahoma City Thunder could be starting anew with a complete rebuild after trading All-NBA forward Paul George early Saturday morning.
Reports following that massive blockbuster indicated that former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook could be on the trade block.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who initially reported the George trade, is now indicating that Westbrook is having conversations with Thunder general manager Sam Presti about a potential trade.
“Oklahoma City’s All-Star guard Russell Westbrook and his agent, Thad Foucher, are engaged with Thunder GM Sam Presti about the next steps of Westbrook’s career, including the possibility of a trade prior to the start of next season,” the report noted.
At this point in the offseason, it might be hard for Oklahoma City to move Westbrook. He has four years and $170 million remaining on his contract. That’s a hefty sum for another team to take on after billions have been spent during the first week of free agency.
Though, the 30-year-old Westbrook remains one of the game’s best players. He averaged 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season. It was the third consecutive time that Westbrook has averaged a triple-double.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this. But for now, it looks like Oklahoma City is looking to rebuild. That will not include Westbrook.