The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to start a whole new era with Russell Westbrook though it is obvious that the score-first guard cannot do it all. Kevin Durant’s exit has left a big void in the forward position though all that could be filled up in 2017.
The NBA free agency of 2017 promises to be another circus with a new batch of players expected to get ridiculous offers thanks to an updated team salary cap. Westbrook would have had that luxury but opted to commit to the Thunder instead.
Such saves OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti the stress of retooling the team. Instead, he will look for an able replacement to the hole once held by Durant.
Griffin dialed in?
According to CBS Sports, one player that the Thunder will be targeting is Blake Griffin. The slam dunking forward was recently mentioned in rumored trade talks though Clippers head coach Doc Rivers doused water on all that.
The situation may be different next off-season though the Clippers are expected to go all out and keep him. So eventually, it will all boil down to what Griffin really wants.
Griffin has had a tough last season, marred by injury and off-court issues. Everyone knows how he mixed it up with the Clippers’ assistant equipment manager that resulted in a hand injury and longer time off.
His relationship with Chris Paul is also in question meaning a new partnership with Westbrook could be brewing. But with Westbrook known for wanting the ball more, would this not be a concern for Griffin who has been known to want the ball down low and do his damage?
For now, that is farthest from Griffin and the Clippers. There is still one season to play though rumors are not expected to stop. Like Durant, Griffin is expected to go for the best deal and play for the team where he feels comfortable with plus the chance to vie for an NBA title.