The Thunder never gave much consideration to trading Russell Westbrook after Kevin Durant announced he was leaving for the Warriors, relays Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. Because Westbrook was headed for free agency next summer, there was speculation that Oklahoma City might try to move him instead of risking another huge loss. Instead, Westbrook agreed to a three-year extension and will try to lead the Thunder into a new era without Durant or Serge Ibaka. “The first thing is Russell is a tremendous competitor but also highly intelligent,” said GM Sam Presti. “He understands that the approach that we have to take in order to maximize ourselves is going to be one first, making sure we’re sound fundamentally and we’re continually growing through the season. That’s always kind of been a staple of the organization.”
There’s more news out of Oklahoma City:
- The departure of Durant and Ibaka may open some opportunities for Josh Huestis, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. The 6’7″ power forward has seen almost no NBA action since being drafted 29th overall by Oklahoma City in 2014. He has spent most of his career in the D-League, logging just 55 minutes in five games with the Thunder last season. “Of course we’re gonna miss those guys on and off the court,” Huestis said of Durant and Ibaka, “but it is, it’s exciting. It’s a new look for us. A lot of new players. But it’s still exciting to see what everything is going to be like, how everybody’s going to work together when it all gets started.”
- Semaj Christon is facing long odds to make the Thunder roster once again, Horne writes in a separate piece. A second-round pick in 2014, Oklahoma City thought Christon might be ready last year after a strong showing in summer league, but he opted to play in Italy instead. With D.J. Augustin traded and Randy Foye leaving in free agency, it appeared an opportunity might be created for the 23-year-old Christon, but this summer’s signing of Ronnie Price may have changed that. Still, Christon remains optimistic as he prepares for his first training camp with the Thunder. “I don’t have to score the ball or do a lot of different things … just getting guys open and getting them in the right position where they’re comfortable,” Christon said. “That was the biggest thing for me, and playing defense, being a lockdown defender.”