Unraveling the mystery of when OKC Thunder began shopping Russell Westbrook

OKC Thunder -Heat deal for Westbrook failed due to Presti draft pick requests:

Likewise, another information bomb was dropped, this time via Brian Windhorst Hoop Collective podcast which is almost entirely dedicated to the trades of George, Westbrook, and situation with Chris Paul both in terms of CP3’s contract and his reputation in the Association.

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Starting at approximately the 18-minute mark and running until almost the 40-minute mark Windhorst and guests Jackie MacMullan and Tim MacMahon discuss what the plans are for Chris Paul, the trades of the Thunder superstars, how the trades went down and why the Heat trade fell apart first for Westbrook and subsequently the talks for Paul.

The podcast offers brand new details on the Westbrook – Heat talks via Windhorst. As per the scribe, his sources suggested OKC did entertain returning the 2021 and (possibly) 2023 picks obtained via the George trade back to Miami.

But, in exchange, Windhorst suggested the OKC Thunder were asking for two later picks (2024 and 2026) and Presti’s request they be unprotected. Additionally, Windhorst believed Presti also wanted pick swaps.  When Pat Riley balked at this option Presti turned back to the Rockets and the deal was completed within 30 minutes. This section of the podcast begins at 21 minutes.

As mentioned almost the entire podcast is dedicated to the Thunder trades, the Chris Paul contract and expectations of the mercurial guard this season given his trade talks have died down for the moment. Additionally, the trio offers insights to the Kawhi Leonard portion of free agency and how the Thunder who weren’t even in the equation initially, ended up being integral to the #KawhiWatch free agency opening week.

Over the coming days and weeks perhaps Thunder Nation will learn more details, but for now, the fanbase turns to the future and the start of a new era in Oklahoma City.