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Top 3 Russell Westbrook trade ideas for this offseason

By Jack Simone

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Russell Westbrook trade ideas
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game Three of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Top 3 Russell Westbrook trade ideas for this offseason. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Trail Blazers defeated the Thunder 111-98. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Top 3 Russell Westbrook trade ideas for this offseason: 3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder receive: Russell Westbrook, Picks to sweeten the pot

Lakers receive: Derrick Favors, Salary-filler

What a sight it would be to see Russell Westbrook back in an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey. And as sad as it sounds, this might be the only city that would welcome him with open arms.

Westbrook spent the first 11 years of his career in Oklahoma City and is undoubtedly beloved to this day. Even when Kevin Durant decided to leave, Westbrook stayed in Oklahoma City, remaining loyal to the franchise that drafted him.

Unfortunately, the on-the-court fit doesn’t make much sense for either party. At this point in his career, Westbrook is trying to win, and the Thunder aren’t doing much of that right now.

At the same time, Oklahoma City is trying to rebuild and should be fully focused on developing their young talent. Bringing in a soon-to-be 34-year-old Westbrook doesn’t really line up with those plans.

However, at the very least, Westbrook would be able to provide a great locker room presence. And if that’s not what he’s looking to do (which it probably isn’t), then he would work with Sam Presti on a buyout.

This move would be worth it for the story alone, although it admittedly doesn’t make too much sense for either side. But come on. How cool would this be?

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