The Oklahoma City Thunder experienced a major setback when its star small forward, Kevin Durant, chose to leave and join the 2016 NBA Finals runner-up, the Golden State Warriors. The team however seems to be headed for more setbacks in the coming days.
According to HofMag.com, point guard and Oklahoma City Thunder's lone superstar at the moment, Russell Westbrook, is not expected to stay with the team next season, and already reportedly has a long list of teams that want to recruit him.
The website reported that the Los Angeles Lakers has the best chance of acquiring Westbrook. Some teams are supposedly shying away from recruiting the point guard because of the risk of losing him after a year.
The LA Lakers, however, has reportedly addressed this issue and supposedly can offer him even a five-year deal. Westbrook can even play for new coach Luke Walton.
To make Westbrook part of the LA Lakers, the team may opt direct-trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers will reportedly trade D'Angelo Danté Russell, Brandon Xavier Ingram and Lou Williams for Westbrook.
There are however other reports that point to the other direction: that Westbrook will stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bleacher Report reported that since the Thunders lost Durant, the team is looking for another player to pair up and form a power duo with Westbrook.
Based on the report, the Oklahoma City Thunder may opt to renegotiate Westbrook's contract and make him stay with the team through the 2017-18 season.
The Oklahoma City team is also reportedly enticing current Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin into its fold. Griffin's recruitment may also further strengthen the Thunders, since it may give reason for Westbrook to stay with the team, knowing that he can work with another powerhouse.
If the Oklahoma City Thunder can keep Westbrook, then recruit Griffin, the team can boast a dynamic backcourt. Last NBA season, Griffin was able to score 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
