ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports on July 11th that Oklahoma has traded it’s franchise star, Russell Westbrook, to the Houston Rockets for guard Chris Paul. In addition Oklahoma City will receive a first round pick in 2024 and 2026 along with a pick swap in 2021 and 2025.
(For those unfamiliar with what a pick swap is: if Houston has a better pick than Oklahoma City in 2021 or 2025, we have the option to swap places in the draft with them.)
Rightfully so, Oklahoma City fans are shocked. Houston is certainly high on the list of enemies in their eyes (right above Patrick Beverly, but surely not surpassing Draymond Green).
“Well what’s the bright side to all of this? We just got an old Chris Paul for RUSS!”
The Thunder now have a treasure trove of draft assets. According to salary cap expert, Albert Nahmad, the Thunder have 15 first round draft picks between 2020 and 2026. This allows the Thunder to take swings at draft picks, with the goal of drafting their future cornerstone pieces. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti also has the ability to package those draft picks into deals for more established players in the future.
Athletic Reporter Sam Amick stated that “OKC does this deal with full anticipation that Chris Paul witll be a part of a good team”. We’ll have to see what Chris Paul has to say about that at this point in his career. Will he prefer to be moved again? Or would he enjoy the idea of playing for a city he is familiar with from his Oklahoma City Hornet days, and helping the development of young point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
From the Rocket’s perspective, they achieve two goals: get off of Chris Paul’s contract (who will make $44 million in his age 36 season), and upgrade their roster to compete in the newly bolstered western conference.
I’d without a doubt anticipate more moves to be made by the Thunder. Andre Roberson, Dennis Schroder, and potentially more could be on the trade block. The Thunder’s new goal is painted clearly with yet another trade: acquire assets and develop young players.
JDHoops 