The Oklahoma City Thunder already knew Kevin Durant was leaving before his announcement and now attention shifts to Russell Westbrook. (Photo : Getty Images/J Pat Carter)
The NBA trade rumors are in full swing as Kevin Durant's departure arguably changed the NBA landscape. His long-time teammate, Russell Westbrook is said to be on the move as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to avoid what happened to Durant.
The team was not able to get anything in return for the 2014 NBA MVP, which will likely happen if they do not trade Westbrook before the trade deadline. The point guard is set to become an unrestricted free agent next off-season and this means he can freely choose which team to play for. Some teams currently linked to Westbrook are the New York Knicks and the LA Lakers.
With Durant deciding to play for the Golden State Warriors, it is expected that Westbrook will look for a title contender to play for as well. Also, Westbrook's camp has made it known that their client is no longer interested in renegotiating his contract or sign an extension.
"Presti can't treat Westbrook like Durant, can't play out the season and hope Westbrook's connection to Oklahoma City and his desire for the biggest contract on the block keeps him around," The Vertical reported. "The risk of losing a second top-10 player for nothing is too great."
With that said, Sir Charles in Charge listed the best trade scenarios for the Thunder. The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the favorites to acquire Westbrook as they have the right set of assets that the Thunder will find attractive. In this deal, the T-Wolves will land Westbrook while the Thunder will get Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine and Shabazz Muhammad. However, the Thunder may not oblige if Wiggins will not be part of the deal.
Another team that has an attractive young core is the LA Lakers. Should this trade come to fruition, the Lakers will have to give up D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Lou Williams. Lastly, the Boston Celtics will also be one of the favorites to land Westbrook thanks to the assets they have compiled over the years. In this deal, Westbrook will be traded for Isaiah Thomas Jr., Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart. Here are other scenarios for Westbrook.
