The Oklahoma City Thunder made the Russell Westbrook trade official on Tuesday, with fans saying goodbye to the 30-year-old who spent his entire 11-year NBA career thus far with the Thunder.
OKC general manager Sam Presti had some words of praise for the departing Westbrook too. Presti has been with the organization since its relocation from Seattle, and he drafted Westbrook fourth overall in 2008 shortly before the organization officially moved to Oklahoma City.
During his tenure with the Thunder, Westbrook totaled 18,859 points, 5,760 rebounds and 6,897 assists. Including the Seattle SuperSonics franchise leaders, Westbrook ranks fourth in games played, second in minutes played, third in rebounds, second in assists and first in points scored — surpassing Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton this past season.
The Thunder traded Westbrook to the Rockets for 34-year-old point guard Chris Paul, two first-round picks and pick swap rights.
It marks the end of an era for OKC's initial boon in the NBA after James Harden, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and now Westbrook have all moved on.