LeBron James rumored to be recruiting Russell Westbrook

Prince187 · Post #1 » by **Prince187** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:24 pm

It didn’t take long for the LeBron James lottery to heat up. As rumors continue to fly in every direction, Russell Westbrook’s name is being brought up in potential trade talks.
With all of the drama surrounding Paul Geroge and Carmelo Anthony this off season, who would have thought Westbrook is the player Thunder fans would have to worry about? But here we are. Welcome to the NBA offseason.

As they do every year at this time, rumors run rampant. The latest here stemmed from former Cleveland Brown Josh Cribbs, who tweeted James might be recruiting Westbrook to Cleveland.

Rumor has it @KingJames bringing @russwest44 to the @cavs #enoughsaid #cavs #2019nbachamps #powerhouse

— Josh Cribbs (@JoshCribbs16) June 10, 2018

The rumor seems far fetched at first, but as we’ve learned in the past, anything is possible in the offseason. So before we discredit the idea, let’s approach this realistically.

Issue No. 1 facing the Cavs is their current financial situation. If James chooses to opt in to his final year, GM Koby Altman is on the hook for just over $35.6 million. Other large contracts include Kevin Love ($25.5 million player option), George Hill ($18 million), Tristan Thompson ($18.5 million), J.R. Smith ($15.6 million), Jordan Clarkson ($13.4 million) and Kyle Korver ($7.5 million).

Perhaps there’s a team out there willing to take on Hill or Clarkson in a trade. But Cleveland would find it difficult to dump Thompson or Smith with their high price tag. And Love would likely want to come back knowing James is back on board. So bringing on Westbrook’s super-max deal which extends to the year 2023 would be a burden to say the least.

Before any of that happens, however, Thunder GM Sam Presti would have to be on board. It would require a desire from Westrbook to want out and a clear rebuilding path for Presti. Seeing as how Westbrook is committed to Oklahoma City and Presti has shown his loyalty to Westbrook, it doesn’t seem likely.

The Westbrook haters of the world might see this as an opportunity for OKC to clear the deck and start over. But if Presti was going move forward without Westbrook, he wouldn’t have signed him to the deal he did.

https://thunderousintentions.com/2018/06/11/lebron-james-rumored-recruiting-russell-westbrook/

Mich3006 · Post #2 » by **Mich3006** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:28 pm

Incredible fit

TaylorTRoom · Post #3 » by **TaylorTRoom** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:29 pm

So, Westbrook would be a combo-guard? The offense would flow thru James? Could work.

BigShaq34 · Post #4 » by **BigShaq34** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:30 pm

i may as well post a youtube video saying lebron will go to toronto just for clicks

Warchant · Post #5 » by **Warchant** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:31 pm

Talk bout bad chemistry lol

Prince187 · Post #6 » by **Prince187** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:32 pm

Ayatollah wrote:I guess it´s official if a random dude like Josh Cribbs said it...

I guess the words "rumor" and "official" are synonyms to you.

Post #7 » by **Goudelock** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:32 pm

I loved Josh Cribbs as a KR, but would a single tweet by a guy who isn't exactly a credible journalist really count as a "rumor"? If he was tweeting about something NFL-related, I might buy it, but this? I don't think that there's any credibility to what he's saying.

Mich3006 · Post #8 » by **Mich3006** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:34 pm

Prince187 wrote:
Ayatollah wrote:I guess it´s official if a random dude like Josh Cribbs said it...

I guess the words "rumor" and "official" are synonyms to you.

do you know the word "sarcasm". These tweets like click bait.

Sign5 · Post #9 » by **Sign5** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:34 pm

Lol what makes this 'sportswriter' think that Okc would even trade Westbrook for the garbage Cavs have? Assuming this isn't completely fabricated.

Michael Jordan · Post #10 » by **Michael Jordan** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:36 pm

Lebron recruiting Westbrook:

LBJ: Russ what do you think about playing with me in Cleveland?

Westbrook: Next question

antonac · Post #11 » by **antonac** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:36 pm

I actually want this to happen.

it will make focusing all my hate in the NBA way more efficient as I could now simply troll one set of fans instead of two.

lambchop · Post #12 » by **lambchop** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:36 pm

Non story. Okc could get more for westbrook despite his contract.
Cavs biggest move this off season is most likely going to be signing someone like jason terry

Pharmcat · Post #13 » by **Pharmcat** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:37 pm

how they get him? using the 8th pick?

Topher · Post #14 » by **Topher** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:38 pm

Lock this up.

Prince187 · Post #15 » by **Prince187** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:38 pm

Sign5 wrote:Lol what makes these sportswriters think that Okc would even trade Westbrook for the garbage Cavs have? Assuming this isn't completely fabricated.

Not too long ago we were hearing rumors about Presti wanting to trade Westbrook, and this is after he gave him the supermax. I think he realizes having Westbrook as your best player in the Western Conference will cap you out at a first round exist. What's the point of using up almost half your salary cap for that? If the Cavs offer Love and another piece for Westbrook I would definitely do it. I would do it for Love straight up but I'm lower on Westbrook than most people.

The_Ghost_of_JB · Post #16 » by **The_Ghost_of_JB** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:39 pm

How is this even a rumor? This is one persons crazy idea. Cavs have a ton of dead weight on their roster and I don't think they will get a whole lot in return by trading most of these guys.

nbafan38 · Post #17 » by **nbafan38** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:40 pm

So much for the often expressed myth on here that no superstar wants to play with Westbrook. At first I thought no way but then when I thought more about it if George leaves it could make some sense for both sides. Something like Westbrook and Melo for 8th pick and Love. OKC gets rid of Melos contract, gets younger and moves toward rebuilding. Cleveland would get a lot better in the immediate future and Melo would probably agree to go to Cleveland to play with Lebron. If George resigns with OKC there is no way this trade happens.

Actually didn't realize Love turning 30 in September, thought he was younger, now I don't like this deal as much for OKC.

Prince187 · Post #18 » by **Prince187** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:40 pm

Pharmcat wrote:how they get him? using the 8th pick?

Kevin Love has to be in the deal for it to happen.

Yank3525 · Post #19 » by **Yank3525** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:41 pm

Prince187 wrote:
Sign5 wrote:Lol what makes these sportswriters think that Okc would even trade Westbrook for the garbage Cavs have? Assuming this isn't completely fabricated.

Not too long ago we were hearing rumors about Presti wanting to trade Westbrook, and this is after he gave him the supermax. I think he realizes having Westbrook as your best player in the Western Conference will cap you out at a first round exist. What's the point of using up almost half your salary cap for that? If the Cavs offer Love and another piece for Westbrook I would definitely do it. I would do it for Love straight up but I'm lower on Westbrook than most people.

Because it keeps you relevant.

NBAFan93 · Post #20 » by **NBAFan93** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:41 pm

Would be amazing to see, but no way Russ leaving OKC and even if he would want to, how would it go down? Cleveland sends $35m in trash players and the 8th pick to OKC in exchange for their superstar? And OKC is just going to accept that? Lol...

I think him and LeBron would be able to beat the Warriors though. Their determination alone would get it done. Of course I could also see them looking like trash against lottery teams, etc. when the effort wasn’t there too.