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NBA rumors 2019: Paul George, Russell Westbrook unaware they both want out of OKC

Russell Westbrook in a "Men in Black: International" promo video. | Photo by Sony Pictures Entertainment/YouTube

Fans following the latest on the National Basketball Association (NBA) will likely agree that the current offseason offers some of the most interesting plot twists in the league’s history. While most of it was due to a blockbuster free agency, some done deal trades and rumors are equally exciting as well.

Anthony Davis left the Big Easy and joined LeBron James in the Los Angeles Lakers, and that was certainly one of the biggest breaking news in this NBA offseason. Other high-profile names have also requested a trade while some are reportedly in the middle of negations such as Russell Westbrook. What’s interesting about this is that another one of Oklahoma City Thunder’s stars, Paul George, has just recently left the franchise.

NBA rumors: Did Westbrook and George discuss leaving OKC?

There are varying reports on whether George’s exit contributed to Westbrook’s decision to request a trade. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said that “in the aftermath” of George leaving, ignited discussions between Westbrook and OKC general manager Sam Presti on best possible trade scenario.

On the other hand, Marc J. Spears (also of ESPN) reported hearing that Westbrook was already planning on asking for a trade. It just happened that George’s camp did things much earlier than he did. But the same account indicates that neither Westbrook nor George knew they both wanted out of OKC.

Westbrook leaving OKC after 11 years

Westbrook was drafted to the NBA as the no. 4 overall pick in 2008 — the same year the Seattle SuperSonics became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, the 30-year-old player played for the same team, but that could change in the very near future following rumors from various sources.

With reports that Presti is also open to letting Westbrook go, a number of teams have purportedly added the 2017 NBA MVP to their shopping list. Miami Heat is one of the highly rumored franchises wooing the eight-time All-Star. Needless to say, Westbrook is a well-accomplished NBA player so fans can expect that Miami is not the only team attempting to acquire him via trade. Other speculated interested parties include Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves among others.

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