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Russell Westbrook has split from long-time agent Thad Foucher due to “irreconcilable differences” over “his best pathway forward”.
Foucher, who has represented the former MVP for his entire NBA career, revealed the news in a statement released to ESPN.
The development comes as Westbrook’s future remains unclear, with his huge contract and underwhelming performances hampering the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trade rumours have circled Westbrook, even as new Lakers coach Darvin Ham described himself as “excited as hell to have Russell Westbrook on our team”.
Foucher also feels Westbrook and the Lakers should continue together, although he did not make clear whether this opinion had contributed to their parting.
“I represented Russell Westbrook for 14 years and am proud of our partnership, which included a highly successful 2008 draft, a super-max contract and the only renegotiation-and-extend max contract in history,” Foucher’s statement read.
“I also supported Russell throughout his rise into a prominent fashion industry figure and recently orchestrated three successive trades on Russell’s behalf – culminating with the trade to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
“Each time, teams gave up valuable players and assets to acquire Russell – and each time, a new organisation embraced his arrival. We did it together with grace and class.
“Now, with a possibility of a fourth trade in four years, the marketplace is telling the Lakers they must add additional value with Russell in any trade scenario. And even then, such a trade may require Russell to immediately move on from the new team via buyout.
“My belief is that this type of transaction only serves to diminish Russell’s value and his best option is to stay with the Lakers, embrace the starting role and support that Darvin Ham publicly offered.
“Russell is a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player and will prove that again before he is retired.
“Unfortunately, irreconcilable differences exist as to his best pathway forward and we are no longer working together. I wish Russell and his family the very best.”
