The Thunder are in a tricky situation.
Without knowing what Westbrook is thinking about free agency, they are going into another season where potentially their star player could leave.
They got nothing in return for Kevin Durant, so they have to turn Westbrook into something if they get even inkling he might bolt in free agency.
Westbrook doesn’t have to tell them anything. You know he is going to play hard and according to the Oklahoman he won’t force trade, but that is smart on his part to keep his options open.
Westbrook has given the Thunder no indication that he currently wants out. To the contrary, one source described him as ticked off about the Kevin Durant departure, determined for this new challenge and eager for the season to start: “He’s ready.”
But the Thunder’s concern isn’t about 2016-17. It’s about 2017-18 and beyond. Will Westbrook want to be around?
No one knows the answer to that, but Westbrook himself and he isn’t telling.