Russell Westbrook and Oklahoma City Thunder 'in talks about future'
Sunday 7 July 2019 09:33, UK
The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently in discussions with eight-time All-Star Russell Westbrook about his future with the franchise, according to reports.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the star point guard and his agent, Thad Foucher, are in talks with Thunder general manager Sam Presti about next steps, which may include a possible trade this summer.
Westbrook has four years and $170m left on his contract, but with Paul George reportedly heading to the Los Angeles Clippers for five draft picks (plus Italian Danilo Gallinari and Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), the Thunder could be looking to reshape its roster.
Westbrook, an 11-year veteran, has spent his entire career in Oklahoma City, averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.4 assists. He won the 2017 NBA MVP Award.
Also Saturday, the Thunder announced they have re-signed forward/center Nerlens Noel. Terms of the agreement were not released.
Noel, 25, averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 77 games (two starts) last season. He was originally selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2013 draft and was named to the 2014-15 All-Rookie first team.
Oklahoma City also signed guard Luguentz Dort out of Arizona State to a two-way contract.
In one year with the Sun Devils, the 6ft 4in Canadian appeared in 34 games (33 starts) and averaged 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.53 steals in 31.5 minutes. His 52 steals last season ranked fourth in the Pac-12 and led all freshmen.
Terms of the agreement were not released. Players on two-way contracts will mostly play in the NBA G League but can be called up to their respective NBA team for 45 days maximum.
