The Oklahoma City Thunder have a monumental decision to make between now and the trade deadline ahead of Russell Westbrook's 2017 free agency.
"I don't think anybody knows for certain what Russell Westbrook wants to do or intends to next summer," said Beck. "But that said, let's just say there's a very strong suspicion, a strong belief among rival GMs that Russell Westbrook is not intending to stay and that he would leave next summer when he hits free agency. Because of that, the logical next step for Sam Presti, who is always ahead of the curve on these things, will look to trade him. I don't know that this is happening at this point."
The Thunder have a history of being proactive with their personnel moves such as trading away James Harden, Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka.
"What I'm hearing here in Las Vegas from some GMs is that not only do they think Westbrook will be traded but it will be sooner rather than later. Probably before the season starts and the most likely destination right now is the Boston Celtics."
The Celtics are capable of making an offer to the Thunder without completely compromising their core.