westbrook ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder wait during the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 18, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

What will Russell Westbrook do next?

In the wake of Kevin Durant’s exit from Oklahoma City, the Thunder point guard has an array of options: He can sign an extension in OKC, he can play out his deal and become a free agent, he can demand a trade or he can play it by ear and see what happens.

But for now he’s remaining mum as he reportedly tries to get his head straight. Via ESPN’s Royce Young:

Westbrook is taking time not just to figure out his next steps, but also to lick his own wounds. Reports have come out suggesting Westbrook’s style of play influenced Durant to leave, though Durant publicly denied that in Las Vegas recently. The two have not spoken since Durant’s decision. Those close to Westbrook say he’s both angry and hurt not only by Durant’s decision to leave but also because Durant didn’t even call to tell him personally. Westbrook wasn’t prepared to be in this position — three weeks ago, like everyone else, he thought Durant was coming back. And he had to learn the hard way he wasn’t.

It figures that Westbrook is a bit disquieted by the Durant situation. Durant was his partner, his friend and his teammate, and I’m sure Westbrook always assumed they’d one day win a title together. Now suddenly he’s on his own, forced to consider a whole bunch of options that wouldn’t have made any sense a couple weeks ago.

From a fan’s perspective, you’ve got to hope that Westbrook stays in OKC for another season and just goes crazy, putting up triple doubles every day and inventing new stat lines we’ve never seen before, like he did two years ago when Durant was injured. But from Westbrook’s perspective, maybe it makes sense to ask for a trade and start his second act in Los Angeles or wherever a little bit earlier. Or maybe he’ll sign an extension and try to build the Thunder in his image (The Thunder can offer a max deal now that Dion Waiters is off the books). If Damian Lillard can lead the Blazers to the playoffs with a skeletal supporting cast, imagine what Russ can do in OKC.

It’s a lot to process, coupled with the sting of his buddy’s departure. Though you’d imagine Durant and Westbrook’s friendship will survive this saga, it’s tough to blame Russ for some hard feelings.

[ESPN]

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.