Kevin Durant left a monstrous void in the Thunder lineup when he bolted for the winning riches of the Warriors on July 4. Is a 6-foot-10, 250-pound rim destroyer big enough to fill that gap?
Oklahoma City’s improvised plan after being blindsided by its superstar’s exit centers around locking down Russell Westbrook through the 2017-18 season. Then, according to The Vertical, GM Sam Presti would try to recruit a star to pair with him whom Oklahoma would appreciate: Blake Griffin.
The first steep hurdle to cross, of course, is restructuring Westbrook’s deal, which is up after this season. The question has been how long he’ll stay carrying a load that Durant can now shrug off to any of his Warriors co-stars.
After Durant signed with Golden State, reports surfaced stating Westbrook would not be open to negotiating a contract extension, thus affording him the glitz, freedom and nationwide captivation of his own free agency tour next year. But according to The Vertical, the frenetic point guard is encouraged by the Thunder’s young talent (including Steven Adams and Victor Oladipo), and conversations between him and the front office are continuing.
If Westbrook’s on board? Then maybe Lob City gets a Midwestern kick.
Griffin, an Oklahoma City native, can opt out of his contract to become a free agent in 2017, and is the subject of constant trade talk. The No. 1 overall pick in 2009, Griffin has put up stats that indicate he’s a star (21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds per game last year), but the Clippers have never broken through and he’s broken a hand punching a team staffer. While coach Doc Rivers has been adamant his Big Three of Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan will be back and thriving next year, another disappointing season could see the Clippers decide they’re better off without their power forward who’s had trouble on and off the court.
Oklahoma City fans would welcome their own with open arms — especially after being so recently jilted by one they called their own. But the 27-year-old Griffin will have his suitors — as will Westbrook, if Oklahoma City can’t persuade him that he’s already found his home.
