Breaking: Russell Westbrook – Kevin Durant Cold War Over

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant’s broken relationship dominated headlines, but a former teammate reveals the duo have reached detente.

It was a lit season for Russell Westbrook as he kept NBA scribes busy with his triple-double record chase. Arguably the off court cold war with his former teammate Durant offered equally compelling fodder.  Each time the duo faced each other they were met with increased attention from reporters  and rapid-fire questions on if (or when) they would communicate.

Westbrook – Durant Cold War:

It seemed there was no clear path to resolving the matter as the feud grew. Each meeting between Duran’ts Golden State Warriors and the Thunder only served to pour more salt in Westbrook’s wounds.

A brief respite occurred at the All-Star game when KD lobbed a pass to Russell Westbrook. The action simultaneously served to remind fans of what had been in OKC and hope this would be the simple action which could ease the path to forgiveness.

But, shortly after the break with the Dubs in Oklahoma KD got his first taste of just how much his departure hurt the fanbase who treated him like royalty. Perhaps the most poignant image was the use of cupcakes. Fans adorned t-shirts with the image and signs in the crowd showcased cupcake images. With KD on the shelf injured the second GSW trip to OKC offered the opportunity to play upon the image further.

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Cupcake Imagery:

The relevance of the cupcake can be credited to former OKC Thunder player Kendrick Perkins. When Perk deemed players to be soft or not trying they were called cupcakes.  So, in what can only deemed fitting, it was the cupcake creator himself who apparently played peace maker.

In an article on ESPN  this morning news broke the pair have spoken and ended their cold war.

"Kendrick Perkins said he brokered a phone call between Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant that took place after Westbrook eclipsed Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record last month."

Ironically, the other major Westbrook story this season was the catalyst for opening the door of communication. As per the ESPN article:

"“I think the night that Russ actually broke the record, I had texted KD,” Perkins said, referring to April 10, after Westbrook and Durant had yet to officially speak since Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in July. “The next day, he was talking about something and he sent me a text and was like, ‘Me and Russ had a nice conversation.’ The media don’t even know nothing about it, but I just let it be known that they’re back on talking terms, the differences are aside.”"

Perkins Opines on KD return to OKC:

Perhaps the more surprising comment made by Perkins is the possibility of a Durant return to OKC. Perkins seems to believe once KD gets his fill of titles he may return to the franchise he spent the majority of his career. Let’s ignore how presumptuous that statement is given what waits GSW this summer in free agency dealings. The bigger question is would OKC Thunder fans welcome Durant back (probably in a minute)? And, more importantly, would KD be willing to play second fiddle to Westbrook who rightfully would be top dog.

Obviously the latter comments of a future return is a moot point since it’s not coming from Durant directly and it’s dependent on KD “getting his fill of titles.

"“I wouldn’t be surprised — if KD makes a little run, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes back to Oklahoma,”"

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Peacemaker Perkins:

Perkins also opined on Russell Westbrook staying in OKC stating  Russ’ character makes him that type of guy. Looking back, this latter comment rings true given an earlier KD offering regarding the differences between himself and Russell Westbrook.  KD spoke of how Westbrook grew up in a 2-parent household, had been with his wife all through college and has a very tight circle.  The Brodie may be a tough nut to crack, but once you are enter his inner circle you are there for life.

Personally, Russell Westbrook wanting to be a Thunder lifer makes sense given who he is.  It reminds me of DeMar DeRozan another native LA player (Compton). DeRozan has repeatedly said he hopes to be a one franchise player (Raptors) the entirety of his career.

Westbrook has many of the same characteristics and is beloved in OKC. Up until this season Westbrook spent his time in the shadow of Durant. While KD was treated with kid gloves. Any Thunder failures inevitably led to fingers pointing in Westbrook’s direction. With Durant’s departure, Westbrook is now the lone Thunder star basking in the spotlight — and rightfully so

Ironically, KD left because he wanted to win titles and play on a team full of stars. In hindsight, the fact the biggest star in the NBA is the one he left behind.

Future:

Moving forward, don’t expect the detente between KD and Westbrook to soften their on court duels. Every Thunder and Westbrook fan knows what they can expect when KD’s Warriors play next.  Westbrook will attack them because that’s how he plays.

And, regardless of their detente, don’t imagine for one second the Brodie won’t have a little extra motivation despite their off court relationship thawing.

Russ will be Russ — he just might not eat a cupcake as part off his pregame ritual.