The exchange of Russell Westbrook officialized

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OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Thunder has made the exchange send top guard Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

The Thunder gets guard Chris Paul, two first-round selections (2024 and 2026) and the right to two first-round picks (2021 and 2025) from the Rockets.

The news was confirmed in a statement by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

"We recently had conversations with Russell about the team, their career and their vision for the future. We understood that studying alternative situations would make sense to him. As a result, and because of his journey with the Thunder, we worked together to make it happen, "Presti said.

"Our ability to have this type of conversation and to work so closely with Russell and his agent, Thad Foucher, is only possible because of the depth of the relationship that has been built over the past eleven years. "

"Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He left an indelible mark on this team, on the city and in the state. None of us could have anticipated the player he has become. We are all deeply proud of his contribution, whether at the team or community level. "

"Russell and his wife Nina, their three children, his brother and his parents will always be part of the Thunder family. We wish them nothing but happiness and success in the future. "

In 11 seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook played 821 games, averaging 23.0 points, 8.4 assists and 7.0 rebounds.

He was the NBA's most valuable player in 2016-17, becoming the second player in NBA history to average a statistical hat-trick over a full season.

Chosen fourth in the 2008 draft, Westbrook was one of eight all-star teams. He leads the Thunder story for points, assists, rebounds and robberies.

In 14 seasons with the Hornets, Clippers and Rockets, Paul participated in 950 games, averaging 18.5 points, 9.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He has been named nine times among a team of stars.

Drafted fourth in 2005, Paul was named Rookie of the Year in 2005-06.

"Getting a player of the caliber of Chris gives us an experienced leader and game maker, while the additional choices fit into our long-term vision," said Presti.

As part of the deal, the Thunder receives two first-round picks protected (2024 and 2026) Rockets (protected first to fourth).

Oklahoma City also gets the right to trade first-round picks with Houston in 2021 and 2025.