The tricky case of Russell Westbrook
Back in February 2011, Carmelo Anthony, a soon-tobe free agent, was on the block. He’d made clear his intentions to leave Denver in the offseason. The Nuggets weren’t a contender. So a trade seemed to make sense for both sides, finding Carmelo a new home while jump-starting a Denver rebuild.
The Nuggets found a suitor in the star-starved New York Knicks, who were assured that Carmelo would re-sign a couple months later. He did. But the price was steep: Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-rounder that became a lottery pick, 12th overall.
Years later, Carmelo admitted that helping orchestrate the trade may have been a personal misstep. He got his wish: a mega contract and star role in New York City, the country’s biggest market. But in expediting the process, the move gutted the Knicks of important roster-building pieces, setting them back. If he had just waited a few more months to sign in New York, he would’ve joined a deeper roster.
By now, most everyone is versed on the monumental question lingering over the Thunder franchise: Should OKC trade or keep Russell Westbrook?
The two divergent answers have simple explanations. If Westbrook intends to stay longterm, build around him. But if the eyes of this soon-to-be free agent are wandering elsewhere, move him to jump-start the impending rebuild.
When boiled down, it’s a yes or no question that dictates the Thunder’s proper route. But in this situation, the motives of all sides – OKC’s, Westbrook’s and that of interested franchises – make everything more complicated.
Westbrook has given the Thunder no indication that he currently wants out. To the contrary, one source described him as ticked off about the Kevin Durant departure, determined for this new challenge and eager for the season to start: “He’s ready.”
But the Thunder’s concern isn’t about 2016-17. It’s about 2017-18 and beyond. Will Westbrook want to be around?
Even if his answer is yes or probably right now, things can change. With the stunning Durant departure so fresh, you’d have to expect Sam Presti and the OKC front office are operating with a higher level of skepticism these days. The only way for Westbrook to quell all speculation is by putting pen to paper on a contract extension. But that’s a route many NBA insiders insist remains extremely unlikely.
An encouraging year of wins and growth could help persuade him to stay. But a season of frustration could push him out the door. Is it even worth rolling the dice? Do you risk losing a future Hall of Famer, in his prime, with nothing in return for a second straight summer?
That’s what the Thunder has to decide. But if the answer is no, then it’s about finding the best possible return package, which comes with road blocks of its own.
History says a talent like Westbrook, even with his current contract, should be able to net a substantial package. Look at the Carmelo deal. Or even what the Thunder got back for an expiring Serge Ibaka last month – Oladipo, a lottery pick and a solid veteran.
Any franchise that trades for Westbrook would get his “Bird rights” and an ability to sign him for an extra year and more money. That’s important. But without any assurance that Westbrook is coming back, it’s a mega risk, basically the same tricky situation the Thunder currently faces. Westbrook’s people could orchestrate things behind the scenes, finding a team he wants to play for an assuring them of his desire to re-sign next offseason.
But that’s where the Carmelo case serves as a cautionary tale for Westbrook. He’s hyper competitive and obsessed with winning. Forcing a trade could inhibit the future of his future team.
Up until the trade deadline, the Thunder has the final say in this matter. Only OKC can pull the trigger. But the motives of Westbrook and others dictate plenty, only muddying this tricky situation.