Oklahoma City Thunder fans, it's a sad time. On Thursday, supporters of OKC were dealt a blow following reports of a trade involving Russel Westbrook and Chris Paul.

Today, the Westbrook hangover still looms freely across the city, as they savor 11-years of Brodie in an expected departure. With the explosive guard being traded to Houston, it ends the official first era of OKC basketball.

Childhoods will be ruined, the excitement brought by the 30-year-old guard will now turn to cherished memories, and it all happened so fast. In an instant, the last member of the 2011 OKC finals team has finally signed-off.

Russell Westbrook Thunder Lakers
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers are just out of the early 2017-2018 NBA playoff picture. Pictured: Russell Westbrook watches a play during a loss to the Lakers at Staples Center on Nov. 22, 2016 in Los Angeles. Harry How/Getty Images)

For some fans, it is a sad culmination of unfortunate events. What was once a proud and upcoming team is left in rebuild mode after a few of its stars decided to move-on. It was Russel that stayed, and he deserves the overflowing respect and admiration of the whole OKC fanbase.

Brodie's give it all mentality will be sorely missed, his flashy passes, his explosive dunks, his bigger than life attitude. The guy just meant so much to the state of Oklahoma and the Thunder squad.

Russel rose to the ranks after being drafted by the Seatle Supersonics in 2008. He didn't play a game for the Seatle, but he heralded the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder along with sophomore teammate, Kevin Durant.

If you still remember when the Thunder won against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 29, 2008, it was the first time we saw of Brodie's potential. For a lot of people, it meant the start of a rising team in the west, but it also showcased a future of what Westbrook could become.

That day, Russel logged in 38 minutes, he scored 12 points, had five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Although the numbers are far from his current average, it was his relentless fighting spirit that caught fans in awe.

Since then, he would go on to play for 374 consecutive games without missing a beat. From day one, It's undeniable that Russel is a fantastic talent. Although the Thunder did not play in the playoffs in 2008, OKC fans were ecstatic with their new team.

Fast forward 11 years, and we are looking at a different story. It's just a somber and emotional day for the Thunder and its avid supporters. In a couple of years, the team may be able to contend on a higher level, but it will be nothing like Brodie's Thunder team.

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Basketball