Thunderous Intentions
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As OKC Thunder appear headed for a rebuild, could Russell Westbrook spark Magic in Orlando?

By Aidan E

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 15: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on from the bench during pregame warm ups prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 15, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 15: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on from the bench during pregame warm ups prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 15, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder could ship Russell Westbrook to the Orlando Magic and give them the star player they’ve been missing for years

Following the surprising OKC Thunder trade of Paul George to the LA Clippers, news surfaced Russell Westbrook and his agent was set to meet with GM Sam Presti to discuss the future. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to move on from Russ, but it is a possibility given the context. With that, the Thunderous Intentions writing team are looking ahead to examine which teams realistically could vie for Westbrook’s services while simultaneously offering a return package which could bolster a Thunder rebuild.

Last season, the Orlando Magic finished seventh in the Eastern Conference with DJ Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams as their main point guards throughout the season. The Magic have a solid young foundation that is littered with forwards such as Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke, and Al-Farouq Aminu.

They re-signed All-Star center Nikola Vucevic this offseason to a $100 million dollar deal even though they have last years number five draft pick Mo Bamba sitting on the bench waiting to take over. Regardless of their talent at in the frontcourt, they are lacking significant talent at guard, which is headlined by D.J. Augustin, Markelle Fultz, Michael Carter-Williams, Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier. This is where star OKC guard Russell Westbrook comes into play.

No disrespect to DJ Augustin who would be a great backup point guard on almost every NBA team, but he doesn’t put people in seats or give the fans much hope and excitement as the teams starting point guard.

The Magic acquiring Russell Westbrook would give them the star point guard that they’ve been missing ever since Penny Hardaway was traded to the Phoenix Suns. While Westbrook is not the same player he was a few years ago, he would be an immediate upgrade over Augustin and could provide the Magic with a star player and personality and in return, the Magic could provide the OKC Thunder with some solid young pieces to help continue their rebuild.

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