Oklahoma City Thunder Rumors
David Hardisty: Austin Rivers said the Harden-Paul beef never happened and was fabricated by the media: “That was bullsh*t whoever started that. Somebody ended up tarnishing a relationship that wasn’t tarnished. That goes to show you how much power media does have.”
Multiple sources told The Athletic last week that the Thunder traded Westbrook for Paul along with two draft picks and two pick-swap options, fully comfortable with the idea that Paul could be on the roster this season. And ESPN on Wednesday reported there’s an “increasing expectation” Paul will start the season in Oklahoma City given the limited trade suitors for his considerable contract.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s discussions to move nine-time All-Star guard Chris Paul to a new destination are parked, and an increasing expectation exists that he will start the season with the team, league sources tell ESPN.
Oklahoma City has been working with Paul and his representatives on finding a trade, but nothing is materializing so deep into summer free agency, sources said. Both sides believe there are benefits to Paul, 34, playing out the season with the Thunder. For now, there’s a belief that there could be more success exploring trade scenarios again after Dec. 15 — or even the completion of the 2019-20 season, league sources said.
For now, Oklahoma City doesn’t feel a need to surrender draft compensation to unload Paul’s contract, sources said. The Thunder want to be competitive and believe that Paul can serve as a mentor to Gilgeous-Alexander, a second-year guard who’s considered the franchise’s future playmaker.
In talking about his series-clinching Game 5 three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in this year’s playoffs, Lillard took that to an entirely new level. “What can I say? That was for Seattle,” Lillard told Sports Business Radio this week.
Abigail Ogle: ‼️BREAKING: ANGRY FAN THREATENS THUNDER STAFF Court documents say the fan left threatening voice messages after recent trades. Saying he wanted to kill GM Sam Presti and Head Coach Billy Donovan and “blow things up.”
