Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Sources: Westbrook talking next steps with OKC

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Saturday, 06 July 2019 12:17

Oklahoma City All-Star guard Russell Westbrook and his agent, Thad Foucher, are engaged with Thunder general manager Sam Presti about the next steps of Westbrook's career, including the possibility of a trade before the start of next season, league sources told ESPN.

The two sides have 11 years of history together, and both understand that the time has likely come to explore trade possibilities for Westbrook, league sources said.

In the aftermath of All-Star Paul George pushing the Thunder to trade him to the LA Clippers to partner with free agent Kawhi Leonard, Oklahoma City's window to advance in the playoffs has seemingly closed. The Clippers' return to Oklahoma City of five future first-round picks, two pick swaps and All-Rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander marks the beginning of the reshaping of the Thunder roster.

The remaining four years and $170 million on Westbrook's contract is no longer sensible for a noncontender.

For the Thunder, this marks the first look at a possible franchise reset since the team moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle, with Westbrook, 30, the final player remaining from the original team that relocated.

Westbrook was faced with a similar situation in 2016 in the wake of Kevin Durant's departure to the Golden State Warriors but, after weighing options, elected to renegotiate his contract and sign an extension with the Thunder. Oklahoma City used that agreement as a springboard to extending its window, trading for George the following summer as Westbrook signed a five-year supermax extension to become the highest-paid player in NBA history at the time.

Circumstances are different in a few significant ways now, though, with Westbrook's age, current contract and position of the Thunder.

The Thunder could rework the roster to try to remain competitive around Westbrook and Steven Adams, although that scenario is unlikely. Operating well over the salary cap with a projected salary tax payment of $43 million with the existing roster, the Thunder were in cost-cutting mode before George's trade and will only accelerate on that front now.

Westbrook has had three consecutive seasons of averaging triple-doubles and was voted the NBA's MVP in the 2016-17 season.

ESPN's Royce Young contributed to this report.

Read 470 times

Soccer

Investigation opens after Argentine YouTuber plays

Investigation opens after Argentine YouTuber plays

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Argentine justice department launched an investigation on Tuesd...

Rodman, Marta, Chawinga up for NWSL MVP

Rodman, Marta, Chawinga up for NWSL MVP

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga, who broke the single-se...

Priestman out as Canada coach over spy scandal

Priestman out as Canada coach over spy scandal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBev Priestman will not return as head coach of the Canadian women's...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Nurkic ruled out vs. Jazz with ankle soreness

Nurkic ruled out vs. Jazz with ankle soreness

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSALT LAKE CITY -- Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was ruled out of...

Diamond Sports to offer per-game NBA, NHL prices

Diamond Sports to offer per-game NBA, NHL prices

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSOUTHPORT, Conn. -- The nation's largest owner of regional sports n...

Baseball

Altuve, Betts each collect 7th Silver Slugger Award

Altuve, Betts each collect 7th Silver Slugger Award

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHouston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Los Angeles Dodgers u...

Diamondbacks tab Phils' Kaplan as pitching coach

Diamondbacks tab Phils' Kaplan as pitching coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks hired Brian Kaplan on Tuesday t...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated