3 Dark Horse Teams That Could Realistically Trade for Russell Westbrook

By Braulio Perez
Portland Trail Blazers v Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Four
Portland Trail Blazers v Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Four / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
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Come next season, there could be an entirely new look for the Oklahoma City Thunder. After already trading Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, they may not be done making blockbuster moves.

Word out of OKC is Russell Westbrook and his reps are working with the front office to try and see if the superstar guard will be traded to a new team. While the Heat and Rockets have emerged as possible destinations, which under-the-radar teams could be ready to shock us all? Here's a look at three dark horse contenders:

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers
Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers / Harry How/Getty Images

The Wolves have plenty of young talent, but they could still use some veteran experience to lead Karl-Anthony Towns and others. While Minnesota could see their nucleus further improve, fans are starting to grow impatient. A trade that would send Andrew Wiggins to OKC as part of a monster deal for Westbrook could make sense fo both sides. It'd be risky, but hey, never rule anything out there.

2. Chicago Bulls

Oklahoma City Thunder v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Five
Oklahoma City Thunder v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Five / Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Russell Westbrook belongs in a big market. While the popularity of the NBA has exploded, OKC isn't New York, Chicago, L.A. or Miami. Speaking of Chicago, the Bulls would be wise to go after Brodie. Similar to Minnesota, they could use a veteran superstar to power the group. The Bulls are missing that No. 1, organization-changing player too. Westbrook could go in and immediately be the kind of guy to get fans pumped about the team again.

3. Orlando Magic

Tissot Style Lounge At NBA All-Star Weekend 2019
Tissot Style Lounge At NBA All-Star Weekend 2019 / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Hoes does Orlando sound, Mr. Westbrook? For this to happen, the Magic would have to get creative. Obviously, they could include Aaron Gordon as the main piece they'd send to OKC. However, what about a flurry of trade picks and 2018 first-round pick Mo Bamba? Imagine a team led by Gordon and Westbrook? Man, that'd be fun to watch.


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