NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook Stats Inspire Damian Lillard Trade; Trail Blazers Star Joins OKC

By Mitch de Leon
Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena.  Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder are proving their mettle amid the Kevin Durant contract drama that pushed him to the Golden State Warriors during the offseason. With the Russell Westbrook stats looking better than ever this season, a number of potential NBA trade deals seem to be in the works. Among these possibilities is a Damian Lillard trade - one that could make the Portland Trail Blazers star the much-needed partner for the struggling OKC leader.

The Portland Trail Blazers had been working hard to make up for the LaMarcus Aldridge exit to the San Antonio Spurs. With Russell Westbrook facing the same dilemma in the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was caused by the Kevin Durant free agency issue to the Golden State Warriors, the fans of both abandoned teams seem to think that a solution is close at hand. That is, a Damian Lillard contract should be executed in the Oklahoma City Thunder for a blockbuster trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the performance of Damian Lillard has been notable this season, the Russell Westbrook stats make the Oklahoma City Thunder star an obvious contender in the MVP race. However, fans are aware that both stars have chips on their shoulders as they try to prove that the exits of both LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant in their respective teams did not significantly affect them. Needless to say, the two basketball stars might have gotten more than what they bargained for in this department. That is, both Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard could use some help.

Rumors are rife that a Damian Lillard contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder could be in the works. With the disappointments he has with the Portland Trail Blazers, fans believe that it might time for the star to move on and seek a better environment.

"Man, it's OK to turn the ball over, it's OK to make mistakes, but we have to play with some damn heart and compete out there," admitted Damian Lillard of his teammates via ESPN. He added, "This isn't about what the coaches are doing, this is on us. We have to take responsibility for what's going on. This s- is ridiculous. We've got the talent; we've just got to put it together consistently."

The Russell Westbrook stats have been known to not only be caused by the star's talent, but also of his team's support. With the exit of Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder stars have become more aggressive and supportive of their sole leader this season. By doing so, the Russell Westbrook stats have soared and are expected to reach new heights soon. Will the addition of a Damian Lillard contract to the team make them a super team comparable to the Golden State Warriors?

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