Russell Westbrook (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA rumor mill is now centered on Russell Westbrook after his running mate for eight years has chosen to leave.
Now, the speculation centers on what the outspoken, fashion conscious guard wants to do. He is one of the most talented players in the league-clearly a top 5 player but the main reason that he's staying in OKC is his partnership with Durant.
There are many suspicions that his personality belongs in the big city and since Durant isn't there anymore, he would likely bolt. But no less than Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical says he would actually stay. His comments from a phone patch from The Herd with Colin Cowherd were transcribed by Up The Thunder.
"I like Oklahoma City's chances to keep Russell Westbrook, I really do. I don't think he's dying to leave there," Wojnarowski declared.
The renowned scribe elaborated that it's not a prediction that he'd sign an extension, only a read on his frame of mind.
"I know this: Right now his mindset is on the team they have. Can we add pieces in the short term? Can we go out in free agency? That doesn't mean he's not leaving next year, but his attitude isn't 'Aw man, Kevin left, I'm screwed - I gotta get out of here.'" Woj said.
He also says that the Thunder aren't exactly ruined. "I've been told Russell has been very determined to lead the team they have - and I know this - Russell really likes the town, he likes bringing in Oladipo, Steven Adams, those are his guys. He thinks they're a real talented team that, if they can add another significant piece, it puts them right back in contention."
The money shot, but Woj does well not to make an outright prediction:
"I think he's embracing this, and he can go out next summer and get a 200 million dollar extension with Oklahoma City. I know this: They will not in the short term be putting him out in trade talks. I think this will play out over time here, and they're focused on improving that team around him."
In light of these comments, the Thunder fans have reason to be optimistic, at least for the 2016-17 season. Come October when the season starts, their team will compete. However, the pressure is there and the uncertainty will hang over them like a black cloud about to unleash a storm on their parade.
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, an anonymous NBA executive has told him that any efforts to keep Westbrook would just be delaying the inevitable.
"He's gone after this year," said one league executive. "A hundred percent. I think that's the case no matter what (Durant had decided). I guess people can always change their mind, but I think this season was going to be it for him there no matter what."
It's easy to make bold predictions under the protective cloak of anonymity. In contrast, Wojnarowski has a reputation to protect.
The Thunder and Oklahoma City will rally beside Westbrook but for how long? How long until the futility sets in-after the first Warriors vs. Thunder game? What happens when Westbrook realizes that his team could have a first round exit and not have much room to improve? That the free agents are not flocking to OKC (not even KD could convince Al Horford to sign there)?
Wojnarowski is a reporter and probably one of the best-his task is to call what he sees or hears. Executives/GMs are trained to look ahead, at the possibilities. This is the reason for the contrasting opinions.
