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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Russell Westbrook

By Dave Stevenson

May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a foul in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a foul in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly considering trading point guard Russell Westbrook to avoid losing him for nothing, here are five teams that should trade for him.

The Oklahoma City Thunder won’t officially lose Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors until Durant signs his contract with them. That said, losing Durant is a foregone conclusion for the Thunder. A team like Oklahoma City absolutely cannot afford a repeat of July 4, 2016 next offseason when star point guard Russell Westbrook hits the free agent market. A rising cap ceiling means that Westbrook will have plenty of suitors.

If the Thunder cannot sign Westbrook to an extension, they could consider trading him, according to ESPN. It might sound outlandish, but it’s a heck of a lot better than losing him for nothing. The Thunder have options. Westbrook is a legitimate MVP candidate, the rare point guard who can make a huge difference. The Thunder could trade him before the season or perhaps take a wait-and-see approach, trading a motivated Westbrook to a contender for a huge package. Even a few months of a pissed off Westbrook is worth one.

Here are five teams who should seriously consider trading for Russell Westbrook.

Next: 5. Philadelphia 76ers

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