Thunder GM: Idea of trading Durant 'ludicrous'

Russell Westbrook is playing the best basketball of his career, emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate. He's kept the Oklahoma City Thunder in contention while injuries have sidelined teammate and fellow All-Star Kevin Durant for more than half the season.

Durant's a free agent at the end of next season when the salary cap is set to explode. Max players like Durant are going to secure the largest contracts ever handed out in NBA history. But don't expect those reasons to prompt Thunder general manager Sam Presti to explore dealing the league's reigning MVP.

"It's ludicrous to assert that we would trade Kevin," Presti told Darnell Mayberry of the The Oklahoman.

"There's no way to measure what he represents to our organization on and off the floor. He has helped build this organization from the ground up and personifies the Thunder: past, present and future. When he's done playing there will be streets named after him throughout the state and younger generations of Oklahomans will learn about the role Kevin has played in elevating this community in ways beyond basketball."

There's been small trade chatter surrounding Durant based on his ability to walk in 2016, combined with Westbrook's historic play. But it seems far-fetched to think the perennial contender would bust up its potent one-two punch, even if they're both in line for monster paydays.

Westbrook is under contract through the 2016-17 season, becoming a free agent a year after Durant. The Thunder will be forced to shell out enormous contracts to retain both, but the organization can also offer the duo more money than any other team.

After five straight playoff appearances, including a Finals run in 2012, the Thunder sit in ninth place in the loaded Western Conference, a half-game behind the surging New Orleans Pelicans.

Durant, who's missed 10 straight games with a foot injury, is expected to return within two weeks.