Oklahoma City made its trade with the Houston Rockets official on Tuesday, marking the end of the first era of Thunder basketball.
With the announcement of Russell Westbrook heading to Houston, front office members have expressed their appreciation for the 11-year veteran. Thunder general manager Sam Presti called Westbrook the “most important player” in the franchise’s history.
Thunder chairman Clay Bennett weighed in on Westbrook’s career in Oklahoma City, as well. He also hit on the franchise’s future as it heads into rebuild mode:
I have a great deal of respect for Russell and there is no way to adequately describe our appreciation for what he has meant to Oklahomans. His legacy here is immense, and he will be honored by the team for all he has done. We wish he and Nina and their family all the best. While this era of Thunder basketball now comes to an end, I’m confident our talented team of people will once again position the Thunder for success in the future.
