Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
And so we come to the possibility of a Westbrook trade. With so many teams striking out on the top names on the market this summer, there’s plenty of money available and desire for a superstar, so I think a handful of teams would be willing to offer something approaching full value despite not having any guarantee of re-signing Westbrook themselves.
After all, they’d then be able to offer a five-year max if that’s what Westbrook wants, plus they could take advantage of his relatively small cap hold to potentially attract other free agents.
Having failed to even get a meeting with Durant, the Lakers might be willing to offer 2014 No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russell as the centerpiece of a Westbrook trade, since Russell would probably be redundant if they signed Westbrook anyway.
The Boston Celtics could build an offer around Isaiah Thomas as a replacement point guard and the draft picks they have coming from the Brooklyn Nets.
And teams like the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns might look at trading their young talent for Westbrook as a way to jump-start the rebuilding process.
Minutes after Kevin Durant exposed his lack of fortitude to the world, those teams in need of a franchise linch pin likely turned their eyes to his former teammate – Russell Westbrook.
Does anyone really believe Russ is staying in OKC? There was plenty of speculation about him leaving before Durant climbed aboard the Warriors bandwagon.
So… what’s the play for Westbrook? The Thunder will never get full value because it doesn’t make financial sense for Westbrook to agree to an extension mid-season. The team that trades for him will be able to make the richest offer, but in the age of 1-and-1 contracts, I’m not sure how much that matters.
Are you willing to give up Isaiah Thomas and both Brooklyn picks for a half-season of Westbrook and hopes of him signing an extension? I’m sorry but that deal is too rich for my blood. I’m hesitant to move Thomas and one of the Brooklyn picks. Even if Westbrook’s team sees Boston as a potential destination, I just don’t like the risk.
The Celtics are still in a pretty good spot. They’ve added Al Horford to a 48 win team and retained a slew of cap space and the Brooklyn picks. There’s no need to take big risks now.
Related: CSNNE – Celtics still in position to build something special | Herald – With Durant gone, search goes on for a shooter | Globe – Celtics still in good position | ESPN Boston – Dizzying weekend shows where Celtics stand
On Page 2, past and current Celtics players react to KD’s decision to piggy back on Steph Curry’s shoulders.
If u can’t beat um join um
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 4, 2016
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If you use the warriors in 2k17 your automatically weak lol.
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) July 4, 2016
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WOW.. REALLY….
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) July 4, 2016
(h/t Boston.com on Crowder tweet which was since deleted)
As you can tell by my tone throughout this blog, I’m not a big fan of Durant’s decision to play for Golden State. Sure, he’s free to choose his next employer, but professional sports is a bit different from cube life. There’s chasing a title and there’s ridding coattails.
I don’t expect it from a 27-year old alpha dog. This is a move you make at 31-32.
As you can imagine, some fans in Oklahoma are not taking this well:
You leave us…We leave you! #ThunderIndependenceDay @KDTrey5 @BleacherReport @incarceratedbob @FakeSportsCentr pic.twitter.com/AJdkBY0HQf
— Westin Wood (@WestinWood) July 4, 2016
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