The process of finding a Russell Westbrook trade that benefits all sides is very challenging and likely the reason why the Thunder weren’t able to get a deal done on July 5, when PG was shipped out. Yet, Oklahoma City needs to jumpstart the rebuilding process in whatever fashion possible if they truly want to dish out Russ.
While the Knicks are a good landing spot for Russ, and do badly need a superstar point guard, there is another potential destination for him in the Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns tried hard to find a solution at point guard in free agency, and all the front office could come up with is the former Utah Jazz starter Ricky Rubio.
Rubio is a solid depth point guard, but that will now become money that the Thunder have to take on so that the Suns can get Russ. The Suns have to give up a king’s ransom themselves to land Russ, but they are handsomely rewarded with future assets in the process. OKC also gets their hands on Hutchison, Dunn, and three future first round picks.
Since the Thunder need to find a player to build around, the former Suns first overall pick DeAndre Ayton becomes that piece. The Thunder can also jumpstart this growing roster around Mikal Bridges. The Bulls then become a dumping ground for players that the Thunder and Suns need to free up roster space for with wing Kelly Oubre and the 2019 Slam Dunk Contest Champion Hamidou Diallo.