Westbrook says George's free-agent process 'totally' different from Durant's
Russell Westbrook is at risk of losing a co-star in free agency once again, but he insists the circumstances are different this time around.
Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round elimination at the hands of the Utah Jazz, Westbrook was asked to compare going through the free-agency process with Kevin Durant in the past to Paul George this season.
"Number one, I didn't go through the free-agent process the first time (with Durant). Number two, two different relationships, you know, and I think ... totally two different things," Westbrook said at Saturday's end-of-season press conference, per ASAP Sports.
"Obviously, Kevin was here for many years and then decided to leave, and Paul's only been here for some months. That's a decision that Paul will eventually make."
Durant spent the first nine years of his career with the franchise before bolting in 2016 for the Golden State Warriors, about which he reportedly informed Westbrook via text. George joined the Thunder last summer via a blockbuster trade from the Indiana Pacers after informing them he would decline his $20-million player option for 2018-19 to become a free agent this summer.
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Westbrook raved about the "great group of guys" in OKC who want to be successful and just need more time together. He indicated he, George, and Carmelo Anthony have developed a "real brotherhood" that he wants to maintain. That said, the reigning MVP noted his job is to make his teammates comfortable in doing what's best for their families, not forcing a decision upon them.
"... Our friendship and our bond we've created together is more important to me, and that's what I truly care about," Westbrook said. "Me knowing Paul, like I said before, he definitely wants to be here. Through free agency or for any player, it's always a decision up to them what's best for their family."
George has maintained he'd "love" to remain with the Thunder and having Westbrook's support eases his decision-making, but he won't rule out other options, like his hometown, cap space-rich Los Angeles Lakers.
The five-time All-Star averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and two steals over 79 games with the Thunder. Despite the shiny new Big Three, Oklahoma City won only one more regular-season game and one more playoff contest compared than the previous year.