Rockets, Thunder make Westbrook-Paul trade official

The Houston Rockets' acquisition of Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul, two first-round draft picks in 2024 and 2026, and the right to swap two first-round picks in 2021 and 2025 was made official Tuesday by both teams.

News of the blockbuster deal first broke last Thursday. The trade reunites Westbrook and James Harden, who played together in OKC from 2009-12. The Thunder are widely expected to try and flip Paul elsewhere, but may face challenges given the three years and $120 million left on the 34-year-old's contract.

The Thunder paid tribute to Westbrook via Twitter on Tuesday.

"Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder," vice president Sam Presti said. "He has left an indelible mark on this team, city, and state. None of us could have anticipated the player he has become, and we are all deeply proud of what he has contributed to the success of the franchise and to our community."

Paul played just two years in Houston and reportedly had a falling out with Harden this past season.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta was reportedly fined $25,000 by the NBA on Monday for publicly discussing the trade before it became official.