Russell Westbrook may not want the Thunder to trade him, but that does not necessarily mean the star point guard is planning to remain in Oklahoma City beyond next season.
In fact, Westbrook could actually make life very difficult for the Thunder by not informing them of his intentions. ESPN’s Royce Young cites sources who say Westbrook does not want to be traded and is intent on playing the 2016-2017 season with the Thunder. The problem for the team is they don’t want to get burned by their second-biggest superstar in free agency after Kevin Durant just ripped every OKC fan’s heart out.
Simply put, the Thunder have found themselves in a complicated situation — one that other teams surely do not envy. Young also reports that there is a “growing belief Westbrook will think heavily about (signing) an extension,” but he is expected to take time to sort through all other possibilities before deciding.
The easiest solution for the Thunder would be for Westbrook to sign an extension in the near future. However, if he gives them a verbal commitment and says he wants to sign next offseason so he can make more money when the salary cap increases, can the team risk getting nothing in return if the 27-year-old changes his mind?
Westbrook is an intense competitor, so the thought of being the Thunder’s clear-cut leader next season must be enticing to him. And if you want to know how he feels about Durant skipping town, this should give you an indication.
The Thunder can promise to chase another big-name free agent to pair with Westbrook next summer, but it might not be enough. If he won’t commit, they need to get something in return for him as soon as possible.
