Thunder Should Trade Russell Westbrook, Lakers Feel Like Good Fit

Sitting around a cabin by the lake in northern Wisconsin with a big group of friends, our conversation immediately got hijacked by the Kevin Durant to the Warriors news. After the initial talk of how formidable this makes Golden State and who – if anyone – can beat them next season, the next iteration was what the hell do the Thunder do now?

As one friend suggested, trading Russell Westbrook now makes a lot of sense.

Oklahoma City’s ceiling next year would seem to be a first or maybe second round playoff exit. Westbrook is a free agent after that, and if Durant would leave the Thunder, what does the front office think will happen with Westbrook, who has always been way more attracted to glitz and glamour?

If Westbrook is going to leave anyways, OKC needs to get something back for him. At first blush, the Lakers have a bunch of young assets like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, and after their marquee signing this offseason was Timofey Mozgov, they would need to make moves if they are going to even be in playoff contention next year. Westbrook could go to LA, where many people already think he’s going to wind up.

Whether it’s the Lakers or somewhere else, the Thunder should pivot into rebuilding mode. This is a harrowing prospect for a franchise that has often been in the title picture since moving from Seattle, but it’s the best way to play their current hand.