Former UCLA teammates reunited in Oklahoma City
Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook spent a year together at UCLA and were dorm roommates throughout.
After Love recently joined, the two have been reunited and will team up again for the Thunder this season.
However, his arrival seemingly cost Al Horford his place in the team and resulted in his trade to San Antonio.
Love decided that he would rather take a pay cut to play for a contender then take double the money on a losing team.
"Ever since those 3 guys in Miami set the example, I've been thinking about what is more important." Love said.
"Obviously the amount of money I could have made by staying [in Minnesota] was very tempting."
"But I'd rather be remembered as a winner. Not someone who got rich and didn't achieve anything."
Minnesota have only won 62 games in the last 2 seasons, an amount that the Thunder managed in the 2010 season alone.
Love also cited Westbrook as a big factor in his decision. "I talked to him about it for a few weeks."
"He was really enthusiastic about the idea of it, but said that I should do what I felt was best for me."
Westbrook gave his thoughts on the deal, "It's really a dream to have him on our team now."
"After we both got drafted we kept in touch a lot. We texted or spoke to each other maybe once a week."
"It's been hard watching him play his heart out and not getting the results he deserves." He added.
"Hopefully he'll be able to continue his great form here and help our group improve even more."
In addition to having a similar sense of humour, they agree their strongest link is a relentless quest to become better players.
“From the beginning, we both just wanted to get better,” Westbrook said. “We both wanted to work and get to the next level.”
The pair never had any discussions about who would be chosen earlier in the 2008 draft.
Interestingly it was Westbrook. He was selected with pick number 4 by Seattle in their last draft before relocating to Oklahoma City.
“Neither one of us knew I was going that high,” Westbrook admitted. "It was a total surprise. I was really shocked."
Love was selected at number 5 by Memphis, but quickly traded to Minnesota in an 8 player deal that involved OJ Mayo.
As Westbrook stood to walk on stage and shake hands with NBA commissioner David Stern, Love told his friend, “See you soon.”
Minutes later, Love's name was called as the next pick. “As I'm walking to the back, I hear ‘Kevin Love,' and I just started clapping,” Westbrook said.