Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin (Photo : Getty Images)
Brush off those Russell Westbrook trade rumors as the Thunder guard is not leaving. He may even help to build a contender to challenge Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors.
In an article from Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, the local reporter paints a picture of a an angry Westbrook who has more than a chip on his shoulder.
"Westbrook has given the Thunder no indication that he currently wants out. 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.'"
While this may be the "glass half full" view that GM Sam Presti is taking, there is a chance that the Thunder may not trade Westbrook and take the rebuilding route. Instead, he could take the mantle of being Oklahoma's franchise player and bring other players to team.
Westbrook deserves that-he is a top 5 player in the league and as early as now, already a safe bet as an MVP candidate.
According to Yahoo Sports' sage scribe Adrian Wojnarowski, the Thunder has already rescinded Dion Waiters' offer which made him an unrestricted free agent. The purpose of this move is to keep cap space to make an offer for Westbrook.
"The move protects salary cap space for the Thunder's primary offseason objective, league sources said: persuading five-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook to renegotiate his contract, which would eliminate his 2017 free agency," Wojnarowski wrote.
The Houston Rockets successfully executed this same extension with James Harden, thereby taking Harden off the free agency list and giving the franchise security.
This is crucial for the Thunder, as their future hinges on Westbrook's decision. This is still a formidable team that brought the Warriors on the ropes, 3-1. It is even argued that if the Thunder did not challenge Golden State as much as it did, LeBron James would still be seeking his title for Cleveland.
With that in mind, the Thunder may just need a worthy successor for Durant to eventually contend again. Blake Griffin could be the key. Wojnarowski already declared that Oklahoma City will have "the chance to recruit one of its top targets - 2017 free agent and Oklahoma native Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers - to partner with Westbrook."
A tandem of Griffin and Westbrook will feature lots of athleticism and power. They could balance the offense with Westbrook on the outside and Griffin operating on the post.
However, it all hinges on Westbrook's decision. Once he signs the extension, the Thunder could start planning to reload. If he doesn't, it's a clear indication that he's ready to move and the Thunder has to move into rebuild phase.
