This NBA Free Agency window has been one of the most memorable ones in a few years. The window kicked off in spectacular fashion on Sunday, with a flurry of trades taking place is just hours after the window was open. And that trend has carried on in the following days.
Come Saturday, one would’ve thought that the window was finally done, but no. Another blockbuster move took place- Kawhi Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. And there may be one final big move to go- Russell Westbrook is set to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It is time to bring out ESPN’s Trade Machine, and find out which teams can land Westbrook:
#1 Westbrook off to the Hornets
While I DO NOT want to trade Westbrook, my friend made this and said to include two of Charlotte’s first rounders. How do y’all feel about this??? pic.twitter.com/cAlaghvSgs
— Tyler (@t_blac3) July 6, 2019
That is a decent trade right there! Oklahoma get some young assets that they could use for their rebuild, as well a few first rounders. And Westbrook gets to play under Michael Jordan.
#2 Houston Rockets get to pair Westbrook and Harden
https://twitter.com/Sbreezy327/status/1147867573897314304
In fact, there is actual interest in Westbrook from the Rockets. But just not a substantial one. This trade works out pretty well for the Thunder, though.
#3 The Bulls land Westbrook
Westbrook in Chicago? Time Bulls compete. Otto gives OKC pathway to cap relief, and youth in White, or a non-point if 3rd team involved given Gilgeous-Alexander trade.
Bulls: Westbrook, LaVine, Valentine, Markennnan, Carter
OKC: Gilgeous-Alexander, White, Otto, Gallinari, Adams pic.twitter.com/emy0XiNta9— Da BballJones (@DBballjones) July 7, 2019
Not a particularly nice trade for the Thunder, they will be looking for better assets here.
#4 Westbrook to Cavaliers
https://twitter.com/perpanator/status/1147401935663849474
All you see here are expiring contracts, so the Cavaliers may not find this trade as attractive.
#5 Miami Heat get Westbrook
https://twitter.com/SHSDylan/status/1147611570362601481
Pat Riley has a big array of contracts on his books, so various trade deals could be proposed here.
#6 The Mavericks land Westbrook
I think that'd be great though I'm not sure Miami still wants to do it.
Flipping Lee and Hardaway (only big enough $) for Russell outright seems dumb. But the Trade Machine likes it for Dallas! Maybe we can trade Westbrook to someone else later. New York or Phoenix maybe? pic.twitter.com/VeMaEC6dnh
— FriendlyGardenRacoon🦝 (@MaverickRacoon) July 6, 2019
A trade that the Dallas Mavericks will surely love.
#7 Westbrook off to Orlando
Should the @OrlandoMagic trade for Russell Westbrook? pic.twitter.com/sEaR89RsdZ
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) July 7, 2019
Another move for Markelle Fultz, and the Thunder get a decent player in Aaron Gordon as well. An all-round good trade for them.
#8 Westbrook to DC
This one I don’t like as much. Could the #Wizards go all in on a Beal/Westbrook combo?
(Wiz throwing in lots of picks) pic.twitter.com/01nW5Tg007— NBATrade (@NBATradeTalk1) July 7, 2019
Remains to be seen how John Wall performs post his Achilles injury, but beyond that, a lot of first-rounders in this deal for the Thunder.
