Since the franchise moved to Oklahoma and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team has reached the playoffs in 6 out of 8 total seasons. During those times, they have a combined 394-246 win-loss record. They have reached the Western Conference Finals 4 times and NBA Finals once.
But during those glory years, Kevin Durant was the franchise player. After Durant signed in the offseason to the Golden State Warriors, the OKC entered a post-Durant Era this season. Now that Russell Westbrook is the Thunder's new franchise player, the team has a 14-8 win-loss record. They won 6 consecutive games and ranked sixth in the Western Conference.
After Durant left, Westbrook is showing that he is more than capable of being the Thunder's franchise player. He is averaging an incredible triple-double with 31.0 points, 10.9 rebounds and 11.9 assists. He is second in scoring and assists and 9th in rebounds, as per ESPN.
But as good as Westbrook is, it is clearly evident that the Thunder is not as good as it was when Durant was still around. Westbrook is a one-man wrecking crew. But he needs a sidekick to back him up. If the Thunder desires to have a deeper playoff run, they need a secondary scorer capable of scoring big points when Westbrook is heavily guarded.
And a rumor says that Kevin Love could be the sidekick that Westbrook is looking for. In the proposed deal, there are three teams involve. The Cleveland Cavaliers will get the package of Paul Millsap and Kyle Singler. The Atlanta Hawks will receive Ersan Ilyasova, rookie Domantas Sabonis and a future first-round draft pick from the Thunder. And of course, the OKC Thunder will get Kevin Love, as per HNGN.
This trade rumor was written over 2 months ago. And this deal did not happen and will not happen. Ersan Ilyasova was traded to the Philadephia 76ers together with a conditional first-round pick from the Thunder. The Thunder on the other hand, receives forward Jerami Grant, as per NBA.com.
Kevin Love was involved in a lot of trade rumor talks in the offseason and at the beginning of the season because many were saying that he isn't fit in Cleveland Cavaliers. But it looks like Love uses those trade rumors and criticisms into inspiration as he is having his best season with the Cavs.
Paul Millsap is also doing great with the Atlanta Hawks this season as he averages 16.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. With Dwight Howard as his frontcourt partner, they have one of the best starting frontcourt in the NBA. The Hawks started the season on a high note. But they are struggling as of late as they lost 7 of their last 8 games.
