The Thunder GM managed to negotiate a new contract with Westbrook.
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The contract is for three years and worth $85.6 million.
But Westbrook does have talented in players in centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter and guard Victor Oladipo, who was acquired from the Magic in the multi-player deal this summer.
Russell Westbrook signed a new deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder but it won’t stop the National Basketball Association rumors of a possible trade of the superstar PG in the future. There were also reports that Westbrook was “angry” and “hurt” that Durant didn’t personally alert him of his decision, those reports have gone unconfirmed by both Durant and Westbrook. There are plenty of reasons, but money is likely near the top of the list. If things go poorly for Oklahoma City during the upcoming season, the length of Westbrook’s new contract would seem to make him a more valuable trade piece.
In July, Durant announced his decision to team up with Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who eliminated his former team and Westbrook’s team from the playoffs last season.
And obviously the Thunder is not the same team that collapsed and blew a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals, losing that series to the Warriors.
“Definitely when I had the opportunity to be able to be loyal to you guys, that’s the number one option and loyalty is something I stand by”, Westbrook said. “We are thrilled he will continue with us and we look forward to exciting days ahead for the Oklahoma City Thunder”.
In an interview with the Boston Globe, Durant told Gary Washburn he was “happy to see any player in this league do whatever they want to do”. “That’s a touchy deal”.
Westbrook has only played for the Thunder ever since OKC drafted him with the fourth pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Would Westbrook stay with the Thunder? Westbrook recorded 18 triple-doubles last season while averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised Westbrook for his leadership and competitiveness.
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“Like I said before, no game is no bigger, no less, no player, no place”.
