Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have parted ways and will likely meet as rivals in the 2016-2017 NBA season. Such a match-up will no doubt be a highly anticipated event for Oklahoma Thunder fans and other NBA aficionados.
People are curious if Westbrook felt betrayed by Durant's decision to leave the team. Oklahoma's remaining star player said the he understood that Durant is within his rights to choose any NBA team he wants. For his part, Westbrook said that he wants to help the Oklahoma Thunder win presumably the upcoming season's championship title.
Durant and Westbrook have been Oklahoma Thunder teammates for the past eight years. Both of them played in several conference and NBA finals. Their dual combination made them a force to be reckoned with inside the court. Come next season, they will soon meet as rivals in the basketball court.
Westbrook told media and fans alike that playing against Durant and the Warriors would change nothing, according to ESPN. The star player maintains he "plays every game as if it was his last."
Durant is currently playing with the U.S. Olympic basketball team. The former Thunder player admitted that he has not yet spoken with Westbrook. He is just waiting for the right time. Durant also said that he is happy for his former teammate.
Oklahoma Thunder fans were caught by surprise when their favorite player Kevin Durant left the team to sign up with the Golden State Warriors. He gets to receive more than $54 million for a two year contract with the team. Thunder general manager Sam Presti had no choice since Durant is already a free agent when the Warriors offered him a deal.
Meanwhile, Westbrook has decided to stay with the Oklahoma Thunder for three more years. He stands to gain more than $85 million depending on how he exercises his free agent option in 2018, according to ESPN.
