Russell Westbrook’s time with the Oklahoma City Thunder might be coming to an end as the player is open to the possibility of a move to an NBA contender, which is clearly not the case with the Thunder.
According to sources close to ESPN, Thunder general manager Sam Presti will be looking to create a trade that would suit all parties, while Westbrook and his agent, Thad Foucher, also discussed trade scenarios with Presti. The decision could come prior to the start of the NBA season.
Story filed to ESPN: In aftermath of Paul George’s departure, OKC star Russell Westbrook is welcoming to idea of Sam Presti engineering a trade that would bring an end to his illustrious 11-year Thunder tenure. Miami's expressed interest, a destination that appeals to Westbrook.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2019
At the moment, the Miami Heat expressed interest in bringing the eight-time All-Star to Florida as they are hoping to add another superstar after acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-way sign-and-trade. Miami Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra are on the market for a player who would complement Butler, and if they manage to pull off this trade, the Heat would have one of the best backcourts in the Eastern Conference.
Westbrook is still searching for his first NBA championship, and it seems that the Thunder now have their weakest squad in years, and after George’s departure to the Los Angeles Clippers, they are surely out of contention in the upcoming season.
Oklahoma City suffered a first-round elimination last season, which was the third consecutive year it failed to make it to the Western Conference semis, and it seems that Westbrook lost his patience, and that’s why he wants to move away.
The 30-year-old Westbrook has four years and $170 million remaining on his contract. The Thunder might be ready to part ways with him as they have acquired six future first-round picks through trades with the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, including two first-round picks (2021, unprotected; 2023, protected) via the Miami Heat.
The 2017 NBA MVP doesn’t have many options following this summer’s free agency as a lot of teams already completed their rosters, but the Miami Heat, and perhaps Houston Rockets could be his next destination.
