National Basketball Association

Oklahoma City Thunder: Predicting Russell Westbrook's Future In OKC

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts and celebrates after he shoots a three from midcourt to force the game to go into overtime against the Orlando Magic during the last seconds of the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook’s extension made many Oklahoma City Thunder fans breathe a sigh of relief, but the point guard’s future isn’t fully decided yet

We’ve heard the stories all summer. Russell Westbrook is going to win the MVP, single-handedly propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a playoff push, and be the long-term, championship-level asset that will keep the franchise relevant for the next several years.

As stable as the Thunder want it to be, though, Westbrook’s future is far from decided. While the roster is set for the immediate future, this team could still go any number of directions at the trade deadline and beyond.

Depending on how this season begins – and ultimately ends – for the Oklahoma City Thunder will determine what the next course of action is for the franchise.

With that in mind, we explore three different routes that OKC can make moving beyond the 2016-17 season.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the third quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Keep Westbrook, and build through Free Agency

This is the option that Oklahoma City Thunder fans want, and the one that the front office wants as well. There’s no question that this is the ideal scenario, probably for both sides.

There are also plenty of reasons to expect this scenario playing out, too. Oklahoma City will probably make the playoffs this season, and the plan to attract another co-star like Blake Griffin in free agency would raise this team’s prospects even higher.

However, attracting another star kind of hinges on this team’s ability to be, at the very least, somewhat successful in 2016-17.

If this team doesn’t make the playoffs or is around the .500 mark at the trade deadline, though…

May 1, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti speaks to new Thunder head coach Billy Donovan after a press conference at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Westbrook, and build through the draft

While not as probable as the first option, this scenario is also highly likely. Russell Westbrook is an elite player, but the supporting cast playing at a high enough level is far from guaranteed. If Victor Oladipo or Steven Adams don’t continue to improve, or if this team’s shooting issues catch up with them, the Oklahoma City Thunder could easily finish under .500 and miss the playoffs.

Several NBA analysts raised their collective eyebrows after the Westbrook extension, correctly noting that his longer contract could significantly raise his trade value. If the Thunder struggle through the first half of the season, and Boston comes calling with their ridiculous number of assets, a Westbrook trade could be the best option for Sam Presti and the Thunder.

OKC could get almost any price for Westbrook and, as hard as seeing two stars leave would be for fans, the chance to build around their youngest players through the draft could provide another great team down the road.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan (left) instructs guard Russell Westbrook (0) against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Keep Westbrook, but who knows what else

This answer is a bit of a copout, but the uncertainty of every NBA season could make both of the above predictions look foolish.

Maybe Sam Presti finds another trade on the level of the Serge Ibaka swap, or maybe the Oklahoma City Thunder play well and find a missing piece somewhere else. Ultimately, It seems unlikely that the Thunder will do nothing between now and when Westbrook inevitably opts out in two years.

Whatever the big moves may be, they’re definitely coming.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have Russell Westbrook, and as long as this is true they will be a good team (if not a title contender). Where the elite point guard will be in two years, though, is anyone’s guess. For now, Oklahoma City’s roster is set.