Russell Westbrook is said to be angry over Kevin Durant leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that could have something to do with Durant lying to his face about it.
During an episode of ESPN’s TrueHoop Podcast this week, Thunder reporter Royce Young said Durant told Westbrook he was staying in Oklahoma City — after the season ended, no less.
“Three weeks ago, Kevin Durant’s sitting there at dinner, telling him, ‘Hey, I’m coming back, man. Don’t worry about it,’” Young said, as transcribed by Black Sports Online. “And now, Russell Westbrook has been kind of thrown into this in having to decide his future a summer earlier than expected.
“Kevin Durant, more so than even that, was telling people, ‘Hey, yeah, I mean I’m coming back.’”
Young reported earlier in the week that Westbrook is “angry and hurt” because Durant did not call him personally to tell him he was signing with the Golden State Warriors. However, there would be a big difference between leaving Westbrook in the dark and blatantly lying.
You could understand Durant telling Westbrook “don’t worry about it” in the middle of the playoffs, as the focus should have been on winning games. Then again, there’s little chance Westbrook would be asking about Durant’s impending free agency decision in the middle of a playoff run.
Maybe Durant didn’t lie. He could have changed his mind for all we know. Young also went on to note that Durant was considering placing an offer on a new house in OKC after the season ended, so he may have thought he was staying at some point.
Where does that leave Westbrook? The Thunder would love to know, but one report indicates he is going to take time before committing to the team beyond the upcoming season. Perhaps OKC can convince Westbrook that they will sign a superstar like this soon-to-be free agent next summer to pair with him. Will that be enough to keep Westbrook around? Only time will tell.
