NBA Trade Rumors: Examining Buzz on Russell Westbrook, Jimmy Butler and More
With NBA free agency dried up, franchises will turn to the trade front in search of upgrades.
As is usually the case, most teams faced grave disappointment when marquee stars didn't save the organization by signing. Others took the first of many steps back to glory, and some still don't have money to spend despite the salary-cap surge.
Then, of course, there are the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost superstar Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors after he announced his decision Monday on the Players' Tribune. Rather than undergoing an impossible journey to locate a suitable replacement, the Thunder must consider making their second blockbuster trade of the offseason.
Nearly a week into a chaotic free-agency period, here are the latest trade scoops from around the Association.
Russell Westbrook Won't Sign Extension
Not to twist the knife stuck in the Thunder's chest, but they may have to again say farewell to a superstar within the next year.
Russell Westbrook's contract expires next summer, and Oklahoma City's chances of retaining him have dwindled with Durant out the door. According to Turner Sports Analyst David Aldridge, the star guard has no desire to lock into a long-term deal:
The Thunder can't afford to lose someone else without any return. Rather than suffer the same heartbreak next July, they need to acknowledge the end of an era and explore the trade market.
Per ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst, the front office is open to that route. "If Westbrook chooses not to extend his contract this summer, multiple league executives told ESPN they believe the Thunder will consider fielding trade offers for Westbrook."
The Vertical's Chris Mannix also made the case for Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti to shop his best player:
"Presti can’t treat Westbrook like Durant, can’t play out the season and hope Westbrook’s connection to Oklahoma City and his desire for the biggest contract on the block keeps him around. The risk of losing a second top-10 player for nothing is too great. Any doubt Presti has about Westbrook’s future with the organization – and, really, why wouldn’t Westbrook want to at least look around – and the Thunder must put Westbrook on the trade block.
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After seemingly building a dynasty that never captured a championship, OKC's title window has closed with or without Westbrook. It's a hard truth Presti must accept in order to salvage some value to rebuild the roster.
Butler and Okafor Available, but Celtics Stay Cautious
The Boston Celtics entered the offseason in an enviable position, hoarding valuable picks and enough cap room to make some major noise on the open market. After years of stockpiling assets, this summer presented the perfect opportunity to convert some into stars.
Rather than move up or acquire immediate help, they made all eight selections on draft night, including No. 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown. While they could not recruit Durant, they landed one substantial signing in center Al Horford, who announced the news on Twitter.
It's a step in the right direction, but Boston is still another move or two away from mattering as a top contender. According to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, the Celtics won't overpay despite two of their predraft targets remaining available:
"Sources tell us the C’s are still holding the line on their offers from prior to the draft. They will make trades if teams come around to their price.
Jimmy Butler and Jahlil Okafor are said to be still available, but getting them now won’t be as easy as on draft night when Chicago and Philadelphia, respectively, both coveted the No. 3 overall pick so they could take Providence’s Kris Dunn.
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With the Durant dream dead, Butler should now jump the line as the Celtics' dream get. The 26-year-old set career highs in points (20.9) and assists (4.8) per game last season while stymieing opposing perimeter players. He's a better three-point shot away from joining the top tier of stars.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a crowded interior and a need for wings. The Celtics have plenty of perimeter players but still need reinforcements alongside Horford down low. In those regards, trading for Okafor—last year's No. 3 pick—makes sense on paper.
It's also, however, a risky move given the big man's limited skill set, which doesn't include defense or passing. He wouldn't cost as much as Butler, though, and would offer Boston a noteworthy scoring option.
Cavaliers Searching for Wing Help
As a much-maligned city celebrates a championship, the Cleveland Cavaliers front office must cheaply fill out the team's roster with players good enough to counteract Durant's Warriors.
The Cavs especially need perimeter help, regardless of whether free agent J.R. Smith signs elsewhere. According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Cavaliers have begun scouring the trade market, including an unsuccessful attempt to pry veteran Trevor Ariza from the Houston Rockets:
The 6'8" small forward would have made the perfect three-and-D wing to complement Cleveland's big-name stars. A younger, better version of 36-year-old Richard Jefferson, the 31-year-old averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 boards and 2.0 steals per contest last year.
Yet it's hard to find any useful pieces Cleveland could have offered, so the Cavaliers needed to lower the bar on their targets. They did so on Wednesday night, acquiring veteran Mike Dunleavy from the Chicago Bulls, as first reported as The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski:
The 35-year-old offers much-needed shooting, but he was limited to 31 games last year after undergoing back surgery last September. Cleveland's search should remain open.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is set to owe an NBA-high $54 million in luxury tax, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, but the team remains short-handed. Its best bet is for Smith to stay on a team-friendly deal.
