What’s Next For The Thunder?

Four years ago the Oklahoma City Thunder lost in the NBA Finals but they’d finally arrived as a championship contender. Led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka who were all 24 years old or younger at the time they were on the verge of taking over the league. But they had their very first bump in the road the offseason after that finals loss. James Harden was set to become a free agent the following season and didn’t want to take a pay cut so General Manager Sam Presti traded him to the Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and first round draft pick that Thunder used to select Steven Adams.

Without James Harden, OKC never returned to the NBA Finals but they did reach two more Western Conference Finals including this past season where they were a win away from getting to the NBA Finals. Getting that close it seemed like the Thunder would retain Durant even after trading Ibaka (was set to become a free agent next season) for Victor Oladipo.

Durant said about trade, “It’s a good move, man,I like Oladipo, he’s one of my good buddies, a friend of mine. Definitely going to miss playing with Serge. He contributed so much to our organization and to the city. Just what he’s done for us, he’s always going to be remembered in OKC what he’s done for the community and his hard work on the court. So we wish him the best.”

The trade improved the Thunder chances of defeating the Warriors but it obviously wasn’t enough for Durant he shocked the basketball world on Independence day announcing that he’d be leaving Oklahoma City for the Golden State Warriors.

With Ibaka and Durant departing Westbrook is now stuck in a situation where the Thunder aren’t a championship contender anymore. Sam Presti now has to come up with a new plan and there isn’t any way to replace a player like Kevin Durant. With Russell Westbrook being a free agent after next season the Thunder once again face the chances of losing a superstar. OKC lost Durant without getting anything in return and they can’t let that happen again so if Westbrook doesn’t sign an extension with the team he has to be traded.

Possible Trade Partners for Westbrook

Los Angeles Lakers

LA could offer young talent and draft picks. That young talent includes D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle. Westbrook is from Cali and attended UCLA even if he isn’t traded to the Lakers he may bolt to La-La land in free agency.

Boston Celtics

Danny Ainge has been longing to get a superstar to Boston and with Westbrook potentially being on the trade block Ainge is ready to use his assets. The Celtics could offer the Brooklyn Nets picks, and a combination of Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, or Jae Crowder.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Westbrook could form a big three with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns to challenge Durant’s new team. To get it done the Timberwolves could package Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine, and Kris Dunn in the deal.