One of the main reasons why the Oklahoma City Thunder withdrew their qualifying offer for Dion Waiters was to free up more cap room that will help in renegotiating a contract extension with Russell Westbrook.

With Kevin Durant gone, Westbrook has become the top priority in OKC.

Providing Westbrook with a talented roster will go a long way in trying to keep the star point guard with the Thunder, and reports are that the team is targetting Blake Griffin.

Via The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski:

For Westbrook, the most likely scenario for a renegotiation would be to use the Thunder’s cap space to guarantee he will stay under contract with the Thunder through the 2017-18 season. This would give Oklahoma City the chance to recruit one of its top targets – 2017 free agent and Oklahoma native Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers – to partner with Westbrook, league sources said.

Griffin went to high school in Oklahoma City and then played two seasons at the University of Oklahoma. The former number one overall pick has played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers, but recently the potential for his departure is a topic that's gained some steam.

Griffin isn't Durant but he's still one of the best players in the league, a legitimate MVP candidate two seasons ago. He would make for a good running mate alongside Westbrook and really give the Thunder something they've never had before — a post player capable of scoring 20 a night.

Griffin rumors to OKC are always natural since he's from there. The only way it's happening is if Thunder GM Sam Presti can lock Westbrook up long-term, though.

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