Hornets GM Refutes Paul-Westbrook Trade Rumor
Don't hold your breath for Russell Westbrook (0) and Chris Paul to trade places.
A byproduct of the criticism aimed at Russell Westbrook throughout the Thunder’s run to the Western Conference Finals was outlandish trade speculation surrounding the third-year point guard. Following his roller-coaster postseason, Westbrook managed to become the centerpiece in potential deals tossed around by fans and media types.
Of course, the speculation made absolutely no sense. The Thunder is not trading Russell Westbrook. Read that sentence 100 more times so it sinks in. Westbrook is a top five point guard, an All-Star and a Second-Team All-NBA selection. He’s quickly entering into the realm of NBA stars that simply don’t return equal value if they’re dealt. There are still some exceptions in Westbrook’s case, but you get the point. He’s still only 22, and he has accepted his role with the franchise. His potential for growth is too great. His character and commitment has helped establish incredible chemistry. And the Thunder has invested too much time and energy into developing Westbrook to up and turn back now.
But no one seems to consider all of those facts. Some see one bad game by Westbrook and say he needs to be shipped out. Earlier this week, a beat writer who covers a team drafting in the high lottery contacted me just to check to see if the Thunder would consider trading Westbrook. The writer knew it was a long shot, but the team’s fan base was running with Westbrook rumors so much that the writer had no choice but to begin the process of due diligence.
The most popular Westbrook trade scenario that almost took on a life of its own, though, was Westbrook to New Orleans for Chris Paul — another “potential” swap that shouldn’t really need validation. But, once again, the speculation has grown so rampant that Hornets general manager Dell Demps had to be asked about the rumor. No surprise that he shot it down.
“Sam Presti and I, our offices used to be right next to each other, so we still text each other all the time, and I can assure you that has not been a conversation we’ve had,” Demps said, cracking a smile as he spoke to reporters.
Someday, the basketball world (which includes some right here in OKC) will realize how special Westbrook is. Is he a true point guard? No. Does he need to be? Heck no. He is what he is: an out-of-this-world guard who averaged 24 points, five rebounds and six assists in the playoffs.
And he’s not going anywhere.
-DM-
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
This trade talk is getting ridiculous. I’ve also heard Westbrook + some others for Howard. Even though you would have to consider it (best center in the NBA), I would hate to see it happen. I want to see okc make a run with these young stars and see what happens. Would seem a shame to split them up at this point.
[...] the league maximum — and is a key part of the Thunder’s blueprint to build a winner.Darnell Mayberry smartly put it this way:Someday, the basketball world (which includes some right here in OKC) will realize how special [...]
I’m from Flint Michigan a Die Hard Pistons fan,n I wouldn’t mind at all,c’n Westbrook n a Pistons jersey next year,dey can have rodney stuckey,cuz I don’t want him n take Rip with him
He ain’t all that? Well, that depends on what all that you’re referring to. If you mean he ain’t all that it takes to be a top five point guard in the NBA, here’s a newsflash Moz. Your analysis ain’t all that accurate.
Tell you the one thing I can guarantee Westbrook ain’t all doing though, and that’s being traded. Anyone who thinks he will be, is wrong. Anyone who thinks he should be, is nuts. Read Darnell’s article again, because it’s the gospel truth.
The quote about the Paul-Westbrook trade rumor is from Hornets GM Dell Demps, not from Sam Presti. But nevertheless, the deal won’t happen.
If you are a GM and you are smart, you sick with Russ. Especially on a contract year!!!
Unless he refuses to sign an extention and you have a realistic fear of losing him for nothing in the next season and even then I am not sure if you keep him for a playoff run in a contract year or not.
Unless Durant want Westbrook trade for CP3 or his texas fellow deron williams! May be he is sick from his out of control games!
I am not worried about Westbrook being traded, but I think someone might go – Thabo, Nazr, Maynor, Mullens, they might go so we can get a better draft pick, or more help inside. I like the chemistry of the whole team, but in the NBA you can’t get too attached to some of these guys.
westbrook is the backbone of this team..the playoffs showed durant gets rattled in 4th and is only a superstar for 3 quarters..every game if u read durants lips he tells russ in his ear “take over” in timeouts
[...] 2011 NBA Offseason Rumours & Info Hornets GM Refutes Paul-Westbrook Trade Rumor | Thunder Rumblings Rumor's start somewhere because there's always some merit to them being a possibility. [...]
I miss the Thunder.