Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against the Golden State Warriors defense during Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals (Photo : Getty Images / Noah Graham)
When Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors, he said that former All-Star teammate Russell Westbrook probably would not be happy. That feeling turned out to be correct, as Westbrook is reportedly angry with Durant's decision but is said to be motivated for the new season to begin.
In a report by Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, a source close to Westbrook illustrates him as being "ticked off" about the whole affair and that he is ready and eager for the new challenge of being the unquestioned leader of the Thunder for the coming season.
The Thunder made several offseason moves prior to Durant's transfer. One of them is the acquisition of former Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo. The report stated that Westbrook has already communicated with his new teammate. Power forward Serge Ibaka, who had complained about lack of touches in the offense, is now gone. Much of the Thunder's core remains young and athletic, with centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter being the notable holdovers from last season. Westbrook will be tasked upon by head coach Billy Donovan to lead the charge for the new-look Thunder.
One thing the Thunder want is a commitment from Westbrook that he will be with them for the long term. After losing Durant, they cannot afford to lose another All-NBA caliber player in Westbrook, whose contract expires after this coming season. However, Westbrook hasn't signed or talked about any contract extension, thereby inciting speculation that he will be traded.
According to Kevin O'Conner of celticsblog.com, a league source told him that Westbrook wouldn't sign an extension at this point because "extensions at this time aren't in a best player's interest anymore." The source continued on by stating that Westbrook is in "control of the situation" and controls his own "destiny." Other teams who want Westbrook on their roster however, won't risk parting with a lot of assets without securing a commitment from Westbrook himself, making a trade unlikely at this point.
In 2014-15, Durant missed 55 games with a foot fracture. Westbrook, taking charge, won the scoring title that year and put up tremendous stats while trying to lead the Thunder into the playoffs. This coming season, he will be asked to do something similar with Durant gone. Those close to Westbrook know that he won't back down from the challenge. "He's ready."
