Thunder now 'receptive' to trading Russell Westbrook

The Knicks making a deal work would be complicated for a number of reasons

7/8/2019, 6:15 PM
Apr 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Jesse Johnson
Apr 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Jesse Johnson

With Russell Westbrook's future in Oklahoma City cloudy as of this past weekend, the Thunder are now "receptive" for the first time to taking trade calls on the 30-year-old star, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic

Charania notes that the timing is difficult when it comes to a potential trade of Westbrook, which holds true for any potential trade to the Knicks, as SNY's Ian Begley noted over the weekend.

In order to complete a trade for Westbrook before December 15, the Knicks would have to renege on agreements with their new free agents, said Begley, noting the fact the Knicks have just $4 million in cap space at the moment. Westbrook is set to make $38.5 million this coming season.

 

While Westbrook has been talking with Thunder management about his future, the odds of him landing in New York seem slim -- especially if he is traded now and not during the season. 

As far as what it might take to trade for Westbrook, Begley noted that the Thunder would almost certainly be looking for first-round picks or young talent.

Westbrook is entering the second season of a four-year deal worth a shade under $207 million. 

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