Rumor Bleacher Report (lol): OKC looking to trade Westbrook before season starts?

Sure, but a dude in the final year of his contract who has already said he wants out should not get you a #1 pick.

 

The only probable destination is Boston. Thomas + Brown/Crowder + Nets pick would actually be a great deal for Oklahoma if Westbrook was really seriously considering leaving in free agency next year. He'd also be likely to resign in Boston if everything goes fine.

Philadelphia don't have the assets to make the trade as Oklahoma will not take any of their bigs. Westbrook won't resign there either. Lakers would have a shot at resigning him but would have to give up on Russell or Ingram to get it done - not going to happen. This season is a write off for them anyway so giving away any assets would be silly for one year rental.

If I'm Oklahoma I'd try to move him and rebuild. He's likely to leave next year anyway and if you lose him for nothing you're in deep trouble. Not sure why anyone would offer significant assets for one year rental in a season Warriors and Cavaliers will dominate anyway.

 

Did OKC ever end up getting anything of value for Hardin? (and Cole Aldrich)

I know the players were useless (Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb) but what about the two first-round picks and a second-round pick? Who did they end up being?

 

Adams I believe.

 

On the deal you proposed (which it's hard to evaluate for realism, since we don't know yet how Westbrook's trade market will develop, considering he'll be an impending free agent), it easily elevates Boston to Cleveland's level, in my opinion. The Celtics were a top-five defense and a top-ten offense last year. At worst, Horford (a significant defensive plus) and Westbrook (a mild defensive minus) probably cancel each other out and don't seriously compromise Boston's defense. But the two of them upgrade Boston's offense a lot--they were missing a real go-to player (Thomas is a crafty scorer, but not a dominating one). They'd have two in Horford and Westbrook and two who can play off each other well.

Horford and Westbrook backed by a top defense and one of the best coaches in basketball would make a strong bid as the best team in the East, IMO.

 

It says that pick came from Toronto.
Although I guess it could have still have been part of the deal.

 

Pretty sure it was part of the Lowry trade between Raptors and Rockets and then to OKC as part of the Harden trade.

 

OK thanks

 

Yes, indeed. That's my recollection of it.

 

With Horford in Boston and all the assets they have, seems that's the fit for a Westbrook trade..would make them a beast in the east.

 

Because he's a pending free agent, I think the pool of teams willing to give up significant assets to acquire him is going to be quite small. Boston, maybe the Lakers, the Cavs? Who knows. But regardless, I think it's more likely than not Presti tries to move him for something rather than being left completely empty-handed the way he was with Durant.

My guess is he's going to drive that team right back into the deep lottery where he thinks he can work some more draft magic.

 

God damn. Boston with Westbook would be killer. Damn I hate Ainge sometimes.

 

How crushing though..... to lose two top five talents within a year of each other. I really wouldn't be surprised to see the team wither and die. Talk about the most spoiled fans ever.

 

Not one person has mentioned Dame?

Good. I'd hate to have to hunt you down.

 

Spoiled? I don't know maybe? All they've known is success because their GM aced 3 or 4 drafts in a row and landed 3 guys worthy of being discussed as MVP caliber players (at various points, not all at the same time).

I wouldn't be shocked if Presti pulled them out of any slump quickly. The guy does have one of the best personnel minds in the league.

As for the fans, there's not a lot of shit to do in OKC, I think they'll still pull a pretty big crowd, even if they suck for a few years.

 

So, will cow town support a lottery team if Westbrook goes? If not, I think Seattle would like their team back

 

Besides the fact that I personally would rather have Dame, it would be completely pointless to trade for him. He'd leave.

 

The thing is, those three drafts were a long time ago (2007, 2008, 2009). Since then, his only major draft triumph was Steven Adams. It's not like he regularly spins magic.

If they lose Westbrook, I wouldn't expect Presti to replicate his prior success. I think he's a good GM, but there was also quite a bit of luck involved. I think he'll keep them competitive, but I wouldn't expect another OKC title contender in the next decade or so.

 

You don't think there's a bit of correlation between picking in the top of the lottery versus the back end of the order?