What an insane last few hours in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are heading to the Clippers in a move that stunned just about everyone in the league when the news broke. The balance of power in the NBA has shifted. The league is wide open and could get even crazier with news that the Thunder actually offered the Raptors a trade package that included both Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Per Woj, the Thunder wanted Pascal Siakam in return in the deal, but talks never got far.
Based on what the Clippers sent to the Thunder, the rumored offer was likely way more about leveraging LA to complete the trade for Paul George. But still, tossing out Russell Westbrook's name in trade talks is sure to upset him, and as Thunder writer Brett Dawson tweeted last night, the Paul George deal likely means they're floating Russ' name in trade talks. That's massive. With news that the Thunder might fully tear it down with a Russell Westbrook trade, the Complex Sports team cooked up five potential trades for the All-NBA point guard. Get ready for more chaos, folks.
Westbrook to the Knicks
Note that this trade wouldn't be able to be done until December, but stick with me here. Could you imagine Russ in the Garden every night? Must-see TV. Throw in the fact that both he and KD would be running NYC and it doesn't get much better than that. For the Thunder, they get a return package from the Knicks that includes both young players and draft picks to start their full rebuild.
Russ & Jimmy Butler Link in Miami
How much fun would this be? Pairing Jimmy Butler and Westbrook in Miami would make them a legit threat out of the East and one of the most exciting duos in the NBA. For the Thunder, they get an expiring contract in Dragic, as well as three promising young players to start the rebuild.
Westbrook Joins Giannis With the Bucks
How nuts would this be? Giannis and Westbrook would easily be one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA and a true NBA title contender. The Bucks likely need to make a big splash to keep Giannis from looking elsewhere in a few years and this would surely count as a big splash. Let's get crazy.
Russ Heads to the Bulls
The Bulls have been looking for a star point guard ever since D Rose left town, which means they should absolutely be in on a possible Russell Westbrook trade. Russ would look great in a Bulls jersey and could slide in as the new face of the franchise in Chicago. In this deal, the Thunder get back a first round pick, Otto Porter - who they could flip in another deal - and Coby White.
Westbrook Joins OBJ in Cleveland
Yes, I am a Cavs fan. No, this wasn't done in bias. The Cavs have always been aggressive, and in this deal, they would pair Westbrook back up with Kevin Love and become a legit threat in the East. And yes, OBJ is already in town so Russ can come too. Call it in.
