Thunder on the clock with Westbrook after Durant's departure
Kevin Durant forever changed the course of two Western Conference powerhouses on Monday.
In joining the Golden State Warriors, Durant adds to a potential dynasty in the making. They now have four All-NBA players in their prime, and were already only four points short of back-to-back championships. More jewelry is surely in store.
As for the Thunder, they face an awkward question: now that Durant has left the building, will Russell Westbrook follow him out the door?
Give the Thunder time to grieve after losing their franchise cornerstone, but they're right back on the clock. Westbrook is heading into the last year of his contract, and there are no assurances he will stay.
Will OKC risk losing Westbrook for nothing like they did with Durant, or will they trade their last superstar before it's too late?
The case to keep Westbrook
The only upshot for Thunder fans in Durant's departure is that it opens the door to an unhinged Westbrook.
Now there's no debate as to who should have the ball. It's Westbrook's team, the ball will be in his hands, and he could be primed for his best season to date.
The Thunder caught a glimpse of Westbrook at full capacity when Durant broke his foot two seasons ago. Westbrook averaged 31.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 2.1 steals while routinely putting up triple-doubles.
Granted, that team was largely bereft of talent, and Westbrook couldn't carry them by himself to the playoffs. But this year's squad features the likes of Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo, Enes Kanter, and potentially Dion Waiters.
Title hopes left with Durant, but there's enough talent left for the Thunder to remain formidable with Westbrook at the helm.
There's also the health of the Thunder franchise to consider. The team is situated in one of the smallest markets in the league, and while the fan base has fervently supported the team since they relocated from Seattle, that could all be put to the test if both of their superstars eventually walk.
Even if it's only one more season, what a glorious one season it could be.
The case to trade Westbrook
The alternative would be to make it a clean break. If the Thunder aren't optimistic that Westbrook will stay, getting assets in return would be the safest move.
It's not like the Thunder haven't been in this position in the past. They moved James Harden when his contract was coming to an end. Ditto with Serge Ibaka this summer.
Each time, the Thunder reloaded with young talent. Harden gave way to Adams. Ibaka returned Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. The Thunder have deviated from the conventional strategy of win-now teams - they opt for younger talent, not older veterans when they try to push over the top.
That strategy works to keep OKC competitive in perpetuity. The only trouble is that the timeline of their stars has not fully aligned with the progression of their prospects.
But thanks to the Warriors, the Thunder are no longer in position to seriously contend for titles. With that possibility out of the picture, they could finally keep their focus solely on rebuilding.
Even if he's in the last year of his deal, the Thunder would receive a king's ransom for Westbrook. And unless OKC gets some ironclad assurance that Westbrook will stay, general manager Sam Presti has to give a hard look at potentially dealing the only superstar he has left.