Here's How the Thunder Lucked Out and Didn't Have to Give Russell Westbrook a No-Trade Clause
By Parker White
Shortly after Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors a few years ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder locked up Russell Westbrook with a massive contract extension.
It was the smart move by Oklahoma City and both sides showed a level of trust and respect, but that's likely all for naught. After trading Paul George to the Clippers, it looks like a fire sale could be gearing up in OKC.
ESPN Sources: Russell Westbrook and his agent Thad Foucher are engaged with OKC GM Sam Presti on next steps for the All-Star guard, including the possibility of trade this summer. https://t.co/S69nu8Phqd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
And it looks like the Thunder could get this done fairly easily because of a stipulation from a few years ago.
One thing that wasn't included in the extension was a no-trade clause because at that time Westbrook hadn't accumulated enough NBA experience that warranted one.
It won't be easy to convince a team to take on this contract, but it'll be much easier without having to get Russ' approval on a deal.
Russell Westbrook is owed the following amount over the next four seasons:
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 6, 2019
19/20 $38.5M
20/21 $41.4M
21/22 $44.2M
22/23 $47.0M
Comparable to a FA that signed a max contract this summer.
Westbrook also has a 15% trade bonus that would be voided in any deal.
Now that one of their stars is gone, don't be shocked if Westbrook is gone in the next few days or weeks.
It's a full-on rebuild in OKC and the NBA is going to look very different next year.