The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a very precarious situation when it comes to the future of Russell Westbrook. They plan to keep him for at least the start of the 2016-17 season, but he has not given the Thunder a long-term commitment past this year - yet. There is a very real chance that he could leave OKC as a free agent next summer, and if he tells Oklahoma City that ahead of time, the Thunder will likely trade him before the deadline.
Obviously, the Thunder would prefer to keep Westbrook for the rest of his career. However, if something happens and he ends up either being traded or leaving in free agency, who could Oklahoma City target to be his replacement? Here are four potential candidates:
4) Ricky Rubio
Rubio has said that he would like the Timberwolves to trade him if they don't make the playoffs this season, and Minnesota explored trading him after drafting Kris Dunn with the No. 5 pick. With third-string second-year point guard Tyus Jones winning Summer League MVP this year, Rubio could be even more expendable if Jones backs it up with a solid regular season.
Oklahoma City wouldn't be sending Westbrook to Minnesota, but if he leaves in free agency, Rubio is an experienced veteran who should be readily available at that time.
3) Derrick Rose
It's no secret that Westbrook loves New York and he has expressed interest in playing with Kristaps Porzingis, making them one of the favorites to land him in free agency. Knowing that, OKC could send him there at the trade deadline, getting Rose (along with some other pieces) in return.
However, the most likely scenario involves them signing Rose in free agency. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2017, and if Westbrook leaves, Rose would be the next-best option available to them.
2) Markelle Fultz
If the Thunder elect to acquire Westbrook's replacement through the 2017 draft, Fultz is likely their guy. Similar to Westbrook when he came out of college, Fultz is a true combo guard, and is perhaps the most pure scorer in this class. His jumper is inconsistent, but it's nearly impossible to keep him out of paint - and when he gets to the rim, you won't be able to keep him from scoring or getting to the foul line. He also has excellent size for the position at 6'5" and 190 lbs, along with an immense amount of potential.
1) D'Angelo Russell
This is what the Thunder are hoping for if they are forced to make the best out of a bad scenario. The Lakers are interested in acquiring Westbrook - a LA-native - and Russell is someone Oklahoma City would demand be included in the trade. He's one of the more promising young stars in the league and would give the Thunder an exciting young superstar to build around.
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