Despite the Russell Westbrook trade coming as a likely domino effect of the Paul George trade that sent him to the LA Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder were reportedly willing to move their franchise star even before Lawrence Frank came calling.
According to The Athletic, a rival team said the Thunder “were willing to discuss the prospect of trading Westbrook leading into the draft, with that revelation seen as a sign that they were considering changes even before George made his move.”
The Thunder were aware they could face a potential rebuild considering both players had expressed frustrations about the state of the franchise. If George didn't intend to stay there, they could very well lose both of their star players this offseason. George was the potential domino, as wanting to stay could make Westbrook reconsider his frustration, and wanting to leave would only grease the wheels on his exit.
George informed the team about his unhappiness before the start of free agency, and eight days later he was traded to the Clippers once he actually made his trade request. Six days after George's trade to LA was reported, Westbrook was dealt to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul.
Yet it seems the Thunder might have been aware of their common denominator behind their last three first-round losses in the playoffs, which might have prompted them to kick the tires on a potential Westbrook trade.
OKC will now have to rebuild with a treasure chest of assets and the promise of a new day, even if that seems grim at this time with little potential for any postseason success with the current roster.
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