You know a trade is good when even the downside has upside. Consider this scenario: Russell Westbrook, basking in the Paul George hoopla, agrees to a five-year super-max extension to stay in Oklahoma City, George bolts for L.A., and the Thunder rebuild again with only Westbrook and Steven Adams tied to big-money long-term contracts.
You might quibble with how nice that upside is. There is risk in ponying up 40 percent of the cap to Westbrook as he passes 30; he's a so-so shooter who relies on athleticism, with knee surgery in the rearview.