NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook Trade Expected to Happen Soon After Kevin Durant Departure to Warriors

By Carlo Monzon
Russell Westbrook
Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and center Marreese Speights (5) during the first half of game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Almost immediately after Kevin Durant announced that he will be leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors, rumors about Russell Westbrook exiting too started to fly. According to some of these rumors, the OKC might be considering to trade him soon.

If Westbrook really wants to leave, then trading him away would be the best choice for OKC. After all, if the team waits for his contract to end, which will happen after the 2016-2017 season, then he will become a free agent. Once this happens, he will be free to sign with whatever team he chooses.

It seems this scenario is bound to happen since OKC general manager Sam Presti is reportedly keen on negotiating a contract extension with Westbrook. But, according to journalist David Aldridge, with one year remaining in his contract, it's unlikely that Westbrook will go for an extension.

"Told empathically by league source there's no chance Russell Westbrook will do a renegotiation/extension of his contract," Aldridge tweeted.

If this is true, then it means Westbrook intends to become a free agent.

However, if the Thunder allow Westbrook to enter the free agency market, then they will certainly lose him without getting anything in return. At least through a trade, they'll be able to choose which player, or players, they will get in the exchange.

This is the main reason why a lot of rumors are suggesting that the Thunder are strongly considering trading Westbrook before the next season opens. That way, they'll still have a chance of working out a good deal with another team in exchange for Westbrook.

As to where Westbrook could end up in, the Boston Celtics have been busy in getting new talent. According to Inquisitr, the team is reportedly working out a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to get Blake Griffin as well as the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins. The Celtics also allegedly approached the Chicago Bulls for a possible deal involving Jimmy Butler.

Based on these rumors, it would probably not come as a surprise if they hold a discussion with OKC regarding Westbrook. However, in order for a trade to happen, Boston might have to give up a couple of its first-round draft picks.

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