This came from the talented, point guard for the Thunder during his news conference that announced he signed an extension with Oklahoma City that could be worth as much as $85.7 million over three seasons. The deal includes a player option which allows Westbrook to become a free agent after the 2017-18 season.
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Renegotiating and extending Westbrook’s contract will bump the five-time All-Star’s pay from $17.8 million to $26.5 million for the 2016-17 season.
Kevin Durant left Westbrook and OKC this off-season to go to the Warriors.
Any hopes of Russell Westbrook hitting the trade market could disappear soon as the Oklahoma City Thunder have reportedly opened “serious” discussions to sign the superstar to a contract extension.
FILE – In this February 29, 2016, file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, left, looks to pass off against Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Sacramento, Calif. Griffin will be welcomed like a hero in Oklahoma City and he is a better fit to Westbrook than Durant.
For his part, Westbrook said that he wants to help the Oklahoma Thunder win presumably the upcoming season’s championship title.
Westbrook, who was initially thought to be more of a 2-guard talent at the pro level, has developed into a top 3 point guard in the National Basketball Association, and has racked up more triple-doubles than any other player in the National Basketball Association over the last 3 seasons. “We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together”.
A player who won’t return next year cast a long shadow over Westbrook’s new contract: Kevin Durant. “Loyalty is something that I stand by”. “Obviously, we’ll talk eventually”. “I really don’t know what to say”. Durant also said that he is happy for his former teammate.
It’s interesting that KD would suggest that maybe (just maybe!) Westbrook could have felt pressured into staying in OKC, but it seems that he’s got no ill feelings towards the point guard. If he did what he wanted to do, that’s better.
Now comes the challenge for Westbrook as we get to find out the ceiling of a team with him as the No. 1 option.
Westbrook said Durant gave him no indication he would leave the team.
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But since Russ is staying, the Thunder shifts its focus on building a great roster around him.
