Would this trade make sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
From a basketball standpoint, there is very little reason for the Oklahoma City Thunder to give serious consideration to the idea of acquiring Russell Westbrook, who will be 34-years-old early next season. It would need to be beneficial for them to take on his contract. Adding an unprotected 2027 first-round pick would help.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to begin his contract extension next season, he will earn an estimated $29.75 million in the first year of the deal. By adding Westbrook’s $47.1 million contract, Oklahoma City would go from being below the salary cap floor this season to worrying about the luxury tax.
Something to take into consideration is that Oklahoma City already has $27.4 million in dead cap spending alone due to Kemba Walker for the 2022-23 season. Signing draft picks would almost certainly push the Thunder above the luxury tax threshold with Westbrook in the picture.
There was reporting before the NBA trade deadline that stated Westbrook’s willingness to take a buyout if he were to be dealt to the Houston Rockets. Perhaps the franchise he won an MVP award with would be willing to help facilitate such an arrangement?
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Perhaps if Westbrook were willing to leave some money on the table, there would be a legitimate pathway to a mutually beneficial solution. Signing for a lot less on his next deal would help him to land with a team that could be a cleaner fit.
