Russell Westbrook Triple-Double Streak Making Kevin Durant Re-think Leaving for Washington in 2016?

Russell Westbrook has posted four straight triple doubles, an incredible string that invokes only two names in modern NBA history: Michael Jordan (did it in 1989) and Magic Johnson (did it in 1987). Westbrook’s play has been so absurd that Wednesday’s 49-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist game against Philadelphia was only the 2nd 45/15/10 game in the last 50 years (Vince Carter had the other).

Which instantly begs the question: As Westbrook enters his prime – he just turned 26 in November – would Kevin Durant be insane to leave one of the best players in the NBA when his contract is up at the end of next season?

The Durant-to-the-Wizards rumors have been out there for awhile, and his return to the DC area where he grew up would be the final piece to the Wall-Beal puzzle and finally make Washington a contender.

But as Durant watches Westbrook annihilate the league, could he be wondering if it’d be a mistake to leave? Not only does Westbrook lead the NBA in triple doubles (6), but he’s now leading the league in scoring, is 3rd in assists, 2nd in steals and he’s in the discussion (with James Harden and Stephen Curry) to be the NBA MVP. Westbrook is averaging a triple double in the eight games that Durant has been sidelined with a foot injury.

Westbrook is at his best with the ball in his hands, which leads to occasional issues with his coach, Scott Brooks, who obviously would prefer the ball be in the hands of Kevin Durant with the game on the line. There are worse problems to have than deciding which superstar to get the ball to.

Both players have been injury-ridden this season, but all that matters is what happens in the postseason. If Westbrook and Durant are able to stay healthy and lift the Thunder to the NBA Finals, it’d be difficult to imagine Durant leaving the Thunder at the end of next season. The Thunder have made a slew of moves since trading James Harden to Houston, and none have really panned out. The only constants? The play of Westbrook and Durant.

Regardless of what happens with the Thunder in the playoffs, everyone wins: Kevin Durant’s Decision will be the NBA’s biggest moment since LeBron’s original decision in 2010 to take his talents to South Beach.