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Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Teammates for eight seasons with the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook didn’t necessarily part on the best of terms. And yet, they could find themselves back on the same team next year.
On paper, seeing a long-time partner join the team that has just knocked you off your perch isn’t a good thing for any player. Yet this was the shocking scenario for Russell Westbrook in 2016. Having previously formed a formidable duo with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, the star point guard saw the latter freely join… the Warriors, who had just deprived him of the Finals.
Annoyed by this decision, Brodie apparently held it against his former sidekick for a very long time. Indeed, their reunion on the NBA was tense, as were their rare interactions. Since then, however, water has obviously flowed under the bridge, allowing the two men to put the past behind them. Their relationship has become more cordial… and could lead to a reunion.
Similar destination for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant?
On his way out of Phoenix, Durant is said to have drawn up a very precise list of destinations he would like to join, including the Heat. It has to be said that a market like Miami is quite attractive, including for free agents such as… Westbrook. Perhaps this explains why American bookmakers expect him to land in Florida. NBA Central reports on X:
According to Bovada, the Miami Heat are the favorites to get Russell Westbrook back:
Miami Heat (+260)
Dallas Mavericks (+325)
Sacramento Kings (+500)
Golden State Warriors (+750)
Orlando Magic (+750)
As a reminder, Russ recently declined the player option included in his contract with the Nuggets, and is now preparing to test the free agent market. On the strength of his interesting performances with Denver, he should be the subject of some interest within the league, and potentially from South Beach. This would potentially allow him to team up again with KD and delight some nostalgic fans.
For the time being, however, no such information has appeared in the news. The only offer Westbrook has received so far has actually come from… Europe, where a EuroLeague team is reportedly ready to break the bank to lure him to the Old Continent. In any case, it’s a safe bet that the 2017 MVP will opt for a future in the NBA, and perhaps win his first championship there.
