Rival teams were aware of the discontent of both Paul George and Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder, according Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Thunder have yet to win a playoff series since the 2016 departure of Kevin Durant. OKC lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2019 playoffs in five games.
Rival NBA teams have been aware of the discontent of OKC's two stars: Paul George — and Russell Westbrook, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Leonard pushed the Clippers in recent days to deliver him a second star, and they did.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2019
George requested a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers after he was recruited by Kawhi Leonard. The Thunder are widely expected to trade Westbrook next and embark on a full rebuild. The former MVP has four seasons remaining on his current deal. He'll make $38.51 million next season, $41.36 million in 2020-21, $44.21 million in 2021-22 and $47.06 million in 2022-23.
Both Westbrook and George underwent surgeries after the playoffs ended. George underwent surgery to his right rotator cuff and left labrum, while Westbrook had surgery on his left hand to repair a torn ligament in a finger and also had a minor procedure on his surgically repaired right knee.
The Thunder, assuming they trade Westbrook, will build around youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC acquired Gilgeous-Alexander from the Clippers in the George trade. Look for the Thunder to also try and trade big man Steven Adams. With PG gone and Russ likely the next to go, GM Sam Presti should tear the roster down.
Follow Us
Subscribe