NBA News Roundup, April 6th, 2019: Kevin Durant to leave the Warriors, Westbrook makes history and more

Kevin Durant has reportedly made a decision on his future in Golden State
Kevin Durant has reportedly made a decision on his future in Golden State

The 2018/19 NBA season is quickly coming to a close. The 2019 Playoffs are less than one week away, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if a team can finally dethrone the rampant Golden State Warriors.

While the participants from the Western Conference have long been established, the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets are still battling to secure one of the final three playoff spots in the East.

Elsewhere, already eliminated teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are gearing up for a major summer of in-and-outs, while lottery teams are eagerly awaiting the upcoming draft.

Evidently, there is no shortage of news emerging from the NBA, and here are the biggest stories you need to know for April 6th.


Russell Westbrook averages a triple-double for a third consecutive season

Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for a third consecutive season
Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for a third consecutive season

For a third consecutive year, Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for the season. Despite drawing some criticism for his poor shooting this season, Westbrook once again proved his status as one of the NBA's best, setting a new record that is unlikely to ever be matched.

Entering the 16/17 season, only one player had ever averaged a triple-double for a season. This was Oscar Robertson way back in the 61/62 season. However, Westbrook has now done something that many said would not be replicated, in three consecutive seasons.

Entering last night's game against the Pistons, Westbrook needed three assists to reach his latest milestone, and it took the 30-year-old less than 90 seconds to set up three teammates. For the season, the 2017 Most Valuable Player is averaging 23.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.

Kevin Durant looks likely to leave the Warriors

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns
Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns

Since joining the Golden State Warriors back in 2016, Kevin Durant has won back-to-back titles. Durant also looks likely to add a third this season thanks to the Warriors' incredible starting lineup, however, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that Durant's career in Golden State is coming to an end, with the Lakers among the teams interested in acquiring the former MVP:

The buzz from various executives, scouts and media members suggests that Durant is ready to move on. They (Los Angeles Lakers) could have enough to pay Durant his maximum salary of $38.2 million, although that might require trading their lottery pick (projected at 12th overall) in June's NBA draft.

So far this season, Durant is averaging 26.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 rebounds per game, and the former OKC star is expected to sign a max-contract this summer.

Dwyane Wade to undergo therapy to ease his upcoming retirement

Dwyane Wade will retire from basketball after the playoffs
Dwyane Wade will retire from basketball after the playoffs

After an incredible 16-year career, Dwyane Wade is set to call it quits following the conclusion of the 18/19 season. Wade's life will change in a big way without the daily demands of playing in the NBA, and the veteran told ESPN that he will undergo therapy to ease his transition:

I will be in therapy. Seriously. I meant it, it is going to be a big change. I told my wife, I said, 'I need to do therapy, and we need to do a little bit. I was always against someone that don't know me telling me how to live my life or giving me instructions. But I need someone to talk to about it. Because it is a big change.

After performing well from the bench, the 37-year-old had been backed by some to play for an additional year, although Wade evidently looks as though he is sticking with his plans to retire.

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