Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors: Realistic Destinations

May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) waits to take the floor prior to the game the game against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans actually have the trade assets to potentially woo the Oklahoma City Thunder. 2016 NBA Draft pick Buddy Hield is an appealing player, even if Victor Oladipo has been acquired.

Throw in either Jrue Holiday or Tyreke Evans, as well as another draft pick—or two, if Sam Presti is willing to push for a bigger haul from Dell Demps—and this could happen.

The appeal for Russell Westbrook would be the opportunity to play alongside fellow superstar Anthony Davis. In contrast to working with fellow ball-dominant perimeter player Kevin Durant, he’d be with an interior player who can work off-ball.

Davis is certainly capable of consistently creating his own offense at an elite level, but he’s also the perfect pick-and-roll complement for Westbrook.

With Westbrook and Davis on the roster, the Pelicans would have the foundation for a genuinely dominant defense. Westbrook is a master in the passing lanes, and Davis is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA.

There’s no guaranteeing that Westbrook would re-sign with the Pelicans, but Westbrook and Davis would have elite potential as a duo on both ends.

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