The Houston Rockets got Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Chris Paul, two future first-round picks (2024 and 2026), and the rights to two first-round swaps (2021 and 2025). We already knew about the move, but the teams officially announced it last night.
It's official, RT to welcome @russwest44 to Houston! pic.twitter.com/XwN9zn1Dhj
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 17, 2019
Russell Westbrook spent 11 years in Oklahoma City and became the fan-favorite thanks to his all-around displays for the Thunder. Westbrook leaves as OKC’s all-time leader in points (18,859), assists (6,897), rebounds (5,760), and steals (1,442).
Westbrook averaged a triple-double per game in the 2016-17 season, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 to achieve that. He is tied for second all-time with Magic Johnson at 138 career triple-doubles, as only Robertson recorded more (181).
Thunder general manager Sam Presti acknowledged that Westbrook is the most important player in the team’s history, and he wished him all the best in the future.
“Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” 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. Russell and his wife Nina, their three children, his brother and his parents will always remain part of the Thunder family. We wish them nothing but happiness and success in the future.”
“Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the OKC Thunder. He has left an indelible mark on this team, city and state.” -GM Sam Presti pic.twitter.com/53SbwyAIXl
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 17, 2019
Westbrook appeared in 821 games (804 starts) during his 11 years with OKC and averaged 23 points, 8.4 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.76 steals in 34.5 minutes per contest. Westbrook is an eight-time All-Star and is the only player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring and assists in multiple campaigns.
Oklahoma City got another talented All-Star point guard in return, Chris Paul. It is a big question whether Paul will play a single game for the Thunder or if the team will opt to ship him away, though.
“Getting a player of Chris’ caliber gives us another experienced playmaker and leader, while the additional draft picks continue to allow us to further commit to the long-term vision that we are embarking on for the Thunder,” Presti said. “We welcome Chris back to Oklahoma City where as a member of the Hornets he helped to pave the way for the Thunder’s arrival in OKC.”
OKC acquires Chris Paul, two first-round draft picks and the right to two pick swaps.
🔗 https://t.co/Z18PvR4q6y pic.twitter.com/0bNgUwGXGL
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 17, 2019
