Russell Westbrook and Longtime Agent Thad Foucher Call It Quits

Thad Foucher and Russell Westbrook are ending their skilled relationship over “irreconcilable variations,” Foucher advised ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Foucher, who has represented Westbrook for 14 years, mentioned he was “proud” of their partnership and all that they had achieved.

“A extremely profitable 2008 draft, a super-max contract, and the one renegotiation-and-extend max contract in historical past; I additionally supported Russell all through his rise right into a outstanding trend trade determine and not too long ago orchestrated three successive trades on Russell’s behalf — culminating with the commerce to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers,” mentioned Foucher. “Every time, groups gave up worthwhile gamers and belongings to amass Russell – and every time, a brand new group embraced his arrival. We did it along with grace and sophistication.”

Westbrook’s time in LA has been something however a storybook ending with LA lacking the playoffs after being thought of title favorites in the beginning of final season.

Rumors have run rampant throughout the offseason on whether or not the nine-time All-Star will keep or go, which brought about a rift between Westbrook and his agent.

“Now, with a risk of a fourth commerce in 4 years, {the marketplace} is telling the Lakers they have to add further worth with Russell in any commerce situation. And even then, such a commerce could require Russell to instantly transfer on from the brand new crew through buyout,” mentioned Foucher. “My perception is that any such transaction solely serves to decrease Russell’s worth, and his best choice is to stick with the Lakers, embrace the beginning position and help that Darvin Ham publicly provided. Russell is a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame participant and can show that once more earlier than he’s retired.”

Westbrook averaged 18.5 factors, 7.4 rebounds, and seven.1 assists, taking pictures 44.4 p.c from the sector and 29.8 p.c from behind the arc for LA.

“Sadly, irreconcilable variations exist as to his greatest pathway ahead, and we’re now not working collectively. I want Russell and his household the perfect,” mentioned Foucher.

The LA Times reported that Westbrook has by no means requested a commerce, and he opted into the ultimate 12 months of his contract for $47 million this coming season with the Lakers.