Thunderous Intentions
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Why trading Russell Westbrook is the Thunder’s best move

By Rich Condon

Dec 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) speaks with referee Matt Boland (18) during the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) speaks with referee Matt Boland (18) during the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) watches his team play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) watches his team play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Westbrook to date is the hands-down MVP of the season, so trading him now will pay huge dividends long term for the Thunder.

The NBA and the NBPA have reached an accord over the terms of the new CBA, which comes with a new Veteran Player Designation Rule. This rule allows teams to offer even more lucrative contracts to two “franchise players.” This, of course, is a day late and a dollar short for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it begs the question: is it time for Sam Presti to fully close the door on the first chapter of Oklahoma City Thunder history?

Nov 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Is it time for a full rebuild? Is it time to trade Westbrook? Relax. This is almost certainly never, EVER, going to happen considering that Russ just got inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and is a beloved member of the community. But most importantly: it is nearly impossible to get equal value in return for a top 5 player in the NBA.

Before Gerald Bravlosky and the Troll Army bombard me with classics like “Kill yourself, bruh, you’re stupid,” I DON’T ACTUALLY THINK THIS WOULD EVER HAPPEN. But maybe Sam Presti (at no fault of his own) and the Thunder should allow the CBA to work for them for the first time in their short history.

Give me a few minutes of your time, because there are multiple reasons why trading Westbrook now will only serve to benefit the Thunder well into the future.

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