Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are no longer brodies

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

BESTBROOK: Russell Westbrook formally announced his decision to stay in Oklahoma City (for now) on Thursday, and Thunder fans loved it. They needed this! I wrote about how Westbrook’s decision saved the Thunder and set the point guard up as a hero. Westbrook also claimed that Kevin Durant’s decision to leave didn’t sting him personally. Durant, for what it’s worth, is happy for Westbrook. Adrian Wojnarowski digs into Westbrook’s thought process. Kevin Ding writes that we’re finally getting to understand both Durant and Westbrook now as a result of the decisions they’ve made. Prada and Epstein discussed the move on Limited Upside. Bobby Marks explains how the Thunder can add a max player next summer. And Enes Kanter is still busy making jokes.

The upshot of all the quotes from Westbrook and Durant makes clear that they are not speaking to each other right now, and in fact Durant sounded a little afraid of calling Westbrook, even to congratulate him on the extension. Man.

OKC has a lot of Russell Westbrook in its lineup now

THE CHANGE AGENT: Really nice piece from Ricky O’Donnell on how Carmelo Anthony has grown as a player and human since his first Olympics in 2004. Carmelo is using his platform in a really interesting and commendable way.

CLOWN PRINCE: Draymond Green roasts Team USA’s hair on Snapchat.

TEACHER DEMONIZES SUCCESSFUL PERSON WHO CHANGES WORKPLACES, LEVERAGES CLASSROOM DECOR INTO VIRAL FAME.

MAKING OF AN AMERICAN HERO: Phenomenal Marc Spears story on 1968 Team USA basketball star Spencer Haywood, who went from picking cotton to guarding the pick and roll in a short period of time.

BLAZE ON: Zach Lowe explores whether the Blazers got much better with all of their capital outlays this summer.

MIND BLOWN: DeMarcus Cousins has a career as a logic professor ahead of him.

Opening Ceremonies are Friday night, and both basketball tournaments tip off on Saturday. Full schedule for all sports right here. Enjoy, and we’ll see you Monday.