NBA Trades: 3 Reasons why OKC Thunder should trade Russell Westbrook

#2 It is time for a rebuild

The Thunder need to move on from Westbrook

Since Kevin Durant's departure in 2016, Westbrook was the Thunder's star/franchise player. The Thunder built their roster around Westbrook in hopes of becoming a contending team.

Prior to Durant's departure, Westbrook was the team's second option. The Thunder (then known as the SuperSonics) drafted Westbrook in 2008. The two players (along with James Harden the following year) became the Thunder's core. The young combination looked promising but eventually disbanded. It started with Oklahoma City trading Harden.

In 2012, the Thunder traded Harden in exchange for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and two first-round picks. After the Thunder traded Harden, Durant and Westbrook became one of the league's best duos. Durant was the Thunder's go-to player, and Westbrook complimented him. When the duo was intact, the Thunder made it to the Conference Finals twice. They made it in 2014, where they lost to the Spurs 4-2 and in 2016 against the Warriors in a seven-game series.

That summer, Durant signed with the Warriors and Westbrook was left with the task of leading the team. He went on to become the MVP in 2016-17 and has averaged a triple-double for three consecutive seasons. Despite his historic triple-double seasons, the Thunder have not had a successful playoff run. Even with the additions of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George in 2017-18, the Thunder could not get over the hump.

With limited success (both during Durant's run and afterward) from the Thunder, it is time for a change. The Thunder are in desperate need of a rebuild.

In the Paul George trade, the Thunder acquired a young player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and several draft picks. The Thunder also acquired a 2020 first-round draft pick in a trade with the Nuggets. The Thunder parted ways with Jerami Grant.

Oklahoma City is stockpiling draft picks at this point. This is an indication of their upcoming rebuild. If the Thunder utilize their picks (and potentially trade Westbrook), they can get a fresh start and rebuild their team.