When the Oklahoma City Thunder moved from Seattle, the young core of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden carried the franchise to the NBA Finals and made the team into a consistent contender and an attractive place to play. When Durant and Harden were gone, the Thunder were able to reload by acquiring Paul George.

However, in the past three seasons, they have been bounced in the first round of the playoffs, and Russell Westbrook is now the only star left in OKC. Since Paul George has been dealt to the Clippers, a rebuild seems inevitable, which is why Paul Pierce thinks it is time for Westbrook to move on.

“That team is expired, he’s done all he can for that franchise,” Pierce said.