The Minnesota Timberwolves could be the "dark horse" in acquiring Russell Westbrook via trade this offseason.
Westbrook has been in the heat of trade rumors in the past few weeks following Kevin Durant's decision to join the Golden State Warriors. Many reports have speculated it is only a matter of time before the Thunder ship Westbrook out of Oklahoma in hopes of getting something in return before the star point guard's contract expires in the summer of 2017.
According to The Oklahoman's Anthony Slater, Westbrook has yet to give any indication to the Thunder that he would like to get traded.
"To the contrary, one source described him as ticked off about the Kevin Durant departure, determined for this new challenge and eager for the season to start: 'He's ready'," Slater added.
But despite any of the claims about Westbrook staying in Oklahoma, it puts the Thunder in a very difficult situation on deciding what could be best for the team. They could either hope and gamble Westbrook signs another contract next year, or trade him now and not risk on losing him in next year's free agency.
One potential trade partner for the Thunder, which could be the dark horse in the Westbrook sweepstakes, is the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Tim Alvarez of 12UP,
In Alvarez's trade scenario, the Wolves send a package consisting of Zach Lavine, Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng to the Thunder for Westbrook, giving Minny a serious chance to compete for a championship.
"Seriously, Westbrook, Wiggins and Towns would be filthy. Who cares about the rest of team? If the Wolves do this and make the conference finals, it would be hard for Westbrook to leave such a young, talented core. Especially when Westbrook is the leader," Alvarez wrote.
Lavine and Rubio would give the Thunder an assurance at the backcourt, along with Victor Oladipo, whom OKC acquired for Serge Ibaka. Dieng, on the other hand, could come off the bench for the Thunder and mix well in the team's list of quality big men.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has insisted Rubio won't be traded, but the team's stance may change if it involves a difference-maker in Westbrook.
It remains to be seen whether the Timberwolves have a genuine interest in trading for Westbrook, but if Minnesota seriously thinks they could contend next season, it is a no-brainer they go after one of the most elite guards in the league.