With the departure of Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder went from a championship caliber team with superstars to a mediocre team with some decent, young players. This is due to the fact that Russell Westbrook is almost certain to leave Oklahoma City. Westbrook will play for the Thunder this upcoming season, but will most likely sign with another team after. Now, the Thunder should trade Westbrook instead of letting him go in free agency and receiving nothing in return. Let's analyze possible destinations for the young superstar, using ESPN's NBA Trade Machine.
1.Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves, a team already stacked with young talent, are one superstar away from breaking out and becoming one of the best teams in the Western Conference. If Russell Westbrook went to Minnesota, here's what I think the trade would look like:
Now, for giving up Westbrook, the Thunder should receive a point guard in return, such as Ricky Rubio. With the addition of Westbrook, as well as Kris Dunn to back him up, the Timberwolves can let go of Rubio. The Thunder should also receive someone who can score well, such as Shabazz Muhammad. The Timberwolves should also offer a draft pick to the Thunder. This works out well as the Timberwolves get the superstar they need to lead the team, and the Thunder get some young talent for the future.
2.San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are already one of the best teams in the league. However, with Tim Duncan retiring, and Tony Parker aging, the Thunder need their next generation of superstars. Their original Big 3 of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili could get replaced by the new of Big 3 of Kawhi, Aldridge, and the final piece: Russell Westbrook.
The image above shows what I believe the trade would look like. In exchange for Westbrook, the Spurs would have to give their best players outside of their core: a great shooter and defender in Danny Green, and another point guard capable of outside shooting in Patty Mills. However, I don't see why the Thunder would do this trade. Granted, it would be better for them to get something in exchange for Westbrook instead of letting him go in free agency, but they can get much better offers from other teams. Although this trade can happen, I think it's more likely for the Thunder to trade Westbrook to another team, or for him to sign with the Spurs once he becomes a free agent.
3.Boston Celtics
The Celtics have emerged as a competitive team, with the addition of players like Al Horford. The Celtics need one more superstar to take their team to the next level. The best superstar on the market is Russell Westbrook. This is what I believe a trade for Westbrook would look like:
The Celtics would definitely have to give up their current star, Isaiah Thomas, in order to get Westbrook. Also, they would have to give up a key rebounder in Amir Johnson. However, I think this is worth it to add Russell Westbrook. The Celtics have an assortment of seasoned veterans and potent young players, and giving up two key players to add a leader to their team is worth it. If the Celtics can pull off this trade, I believe they can compete with the Cavaliers in the East.
4.Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are not talked about very often when discussing teams which can trade for Russell Westbrook. However, the Nuggets have assets which they can trade in order to acquire Westbrook. This is what the potential trade would look like:
The Nuggets would have to give up their young point guard in Emmanuel Mudiay, and a star in Kenneth Faried. This would give the Nuggets a superstar to lead their team. However, I think this trade is better for the Thunder than it is for the Nuggets. The Thunder can add another strong rebounder to their mix, as well as a point guard who is capable of leading a team. Although this is a possible trade, I do not think it will happen because the Nuggets will not be willing to trade their key, young players, and I am unsure if Westbrook will resign with the Nuggets in the offseason after he is traded there.
1.Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves, a team already stacked with young talent, are one superstar away from breaking out and becoming one of the best teams in the Western Conference. If Russell Westbrook went to Minnesota, here's what I think the trade would look like:
2.San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are already one of the best teams in the league. However, with Tim Duncan retiring, and Tony Parker aging, the Thunder need their next generation of superstars. Their original Big 3 of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili could get replaced by the new of Big 3 of Kawhi, Aldridge, and the final piece: Russell Westbrook.
3.Boston Celtics
The Celtics have emerged as a competitive team, with the addition of players like Al Horford. The Celtics need one more superstar to take their team to the next level. The best superstar on the market is Russell Westbrook. This is what I believe a trade for Westbrook would look like:
4.Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are not talked about very often when discussing teams which can trade for Russell Westbrook. However, the Nuggets have assets which they can trade in order to acquire Westbrook. This is what the potential trade would look like:
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