Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors on Russell Westbrook heated up again after a reporter confirmed that some teams, the Milwaukee Bucks included, negotiated with the Oklahoma City Thunder brass.
The reports came from Adam Joseph of SB Nation via his Twitter account and he named the San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and LA Lakers as the teams that pursued the Thunder guard.
Joseph emphasized that the Bucks were actually the most ardent pursuers as they actually offered "significant assets" to gain the services of one of the NBA's top 5 players.
Milwaukee offered significant assets (clarifying), but backed away when Westbrook said no to an extension.
per sources, Presti discussed Westbrook deals with several different teams (inc. SAS, MIL, LAL, BOS), but no middle ground was found.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) July 21, 2016
https://t.co/PqQKw3CSiB — Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) July 21, 2016
The SB Nation network's Milwaukee Bucks' team site Brew Hoop caught wind of these rumors and went on to speculate the possible package that the Bucks offered. As Joseph stated, Westbrook refused to sign an extension and that caused the Bucks to balk. However, there is no telling when it could be revisited, and thus, the parameters of the possible deal are still worth discussing.
The first thing that Brew Hoop established is that Giannis Antetokounmpo is out of the question. The Bucks will not even consider trading him. Thus, the deal could center on Jabari Parker of Khris Middleton, the Bucks two other trade assets.
Perhaps a combination of Parker and Greg Monroe and/or Michael Carter-Williams could be the ideal combo for Milwaukee to send since Monroe is already on the trading block and MCW could be Russell's replacement at the point.
However, from the Thunder's standpoint, they should milk the assets of any transaction regarding Westbrook as he is the last remaining stalwart of the four players that made the Thunder a competitive team. (Kevin Durant, James Harden and Serge Ibaka are the others).
It would be difficult for the Thunder to replicate the fortune of drafting those talents in the span of three years, so Thunder GM Sam Presti would really want a good offer.
But it is prudent for the Bucks to demand an extension, something that Westbrook is unlikely to give. No player, not even Westbrook is worthy of sacrificing such talents as Parker or Middleton. Later in the season, as the Thunder realizes that Westbrook really wants to go, they might lower the price and let Westbrook be someone else's flight risk.
