Conversations and debates are swirling around Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors. Attention is also shifting towards the Oklahoma City Thunder and Russell Westbrook. Durant’s decision to leave the Thunder was reportedly to his frustrations with Westbrook, who’s now shown no indication of signing an extension with the team.
It’s reportedly believed that Westbrook, who is set to experience his own free agency next summer, will also leave the Thunder after this upcoming season.
Following from Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald:
“He’s gone after this year,” said one league executive about Westbrook. “A hundred percent. I think that’s the case no matter what (Durant had decided). I guess people can always change their mind, but I think this season was going to be it for him there no matter what.”
This suggests that Westbrook would be looking to leave the Thunder even if Durant stayed. Of course, circumstances could have changed if they made a championship run, but those odds are severely decreased now.
Said another Western source, “Look, KD and Russ are friends. They get along great off the court. They’re good guys. But Kevin feels like no one can control Russell when he’s on the court — not even Russell. Everyone sees it. It’s no secret. I think that’s been hard on Kevin. Russ is one of the top players in the game, but things have to fit.”
Many believe that Westbrook will be happier without Durant taking away from his shot volume, but this suggests otherwise. The Thunder’s core guys have dropped like flies, from Jeff Green to James Harden to Serge Ibaka and now Kevin Durant. Westbrook may or may not already be looking ahead to free agency next summer. Thus, the question will loom throughout this season if Sam Presti will entertain offers for Westbrook before the trade deadline to prevent inevitably losing him for nothing next summer.
