By now I’m sure you’ve taken notice that Russell Westbrook is playing on another level. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard had five triple-doubles in six games and has recorded a total six triple-doubles in his last 15 games. AND on top of that, in the 9 games where he did NOT post a triple-double, he averaged 32.5 ppg, 9.3 apg and 8.5 rpg; absolutely outstanding numbers. Westbrook has been able to go on this rampage since Thunder star and reigning MVP Kevin Durant is injured. With Westbrook carrying the team now, some people think it may lead to a permanent position.
via ESPN:
NBA analyst and former NBA executive Tom Penn thinks Westbrook’s hot streak could have Oklahoma City Thunder management thinking about trading Kevin Durant next season:
I think this burst from Westbrook makes it much more likely that Durant ultimately gets traded next year. … Sam Presti has proven that he does not ever want to lose anybody for nothing. So he traded James Harden a year early to avoid a potential luxury tax problem a year later.
“The Kevin Durant drumbeat next year is going to be so loud because he will not commit early to Oklahoma City contractually because the rules are against that. He can’t get the same contract if he signs early as if he just goes to free agency and resigns.
So if Sam Presti doesn’t get that commitment, he’ll look to to trade Kevin Durant. And looking at the performance of Westbrook and the team around Westbrook will make it easier for him to do that potentially.”
There’s been a lot of talk about Kevin Durant leaving the Thunder during free agency in 2016 and the possibility of him returning “home” to the Washington Wizards is sounding off the loudest. Despite what Westbrook is doing the Thunder is still losing games. He can’t do it alone (despite what he may think) and needs help. Durant is still the Thunder’s No. 1 star and I doubt they will trade him unless he definitively says he’s leaving in free agency.
