Russell Westbrook is officially heading to Houston with the Oklahoma City Thunder announcing on Tuesday the team traded the face of the franchise to the Rockets for Chris Paul, two first-round draft pick (2024 and 2026) and two first-round pick swaps (2021 and 2025).
The move marks the end of an era in Oklahoma City, in which Westbrook was the one constant on the floor for 11 seasons. For that, Thunder general manager Sam Presti made sure to thank Westbrook in his statement that accompanied the trade announcement.
We recently had conversations with Russell about the team, his career, and how and how he see the future. Through those conversations we came to the understanding that looking at some alternative situations would be something that made sense for him. As a result, and due to his history with the Thunder we worked together to accommodate this. Our ability to have these types of conversations and work so closely with Russell and his agent Thad Foucher is only possible because of the depth of the relationship that has been built over the last 11 years.
Presti continued:
Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has left an incredible mark on this team, city and state. None of us could have anticipated the player he has become, and we are all deeply proud of what he has contributed to the success of the franchise and to our community. Russell and his wife Nine, their three children, his brother and his parents will always remain part of the Thunder family. We wish them nothing but happiness and success in the future.
