It appears Russell Westbrook is staying in Oklahoma City.
Advertisement
The Thunder are in serious negotiations with Westbrook’s agent on a renegotiation that could keep the All-Star point guard in Oklahoma City through the 2018-19 season, The Vertical reported Wednesday. The Thunder are planning to hold a press conference Thursday to announce the deal.
The report indicates there has been no final agreement on a deal, “but there’s momentum toward a 3-year, $85 million-plus maximum contract renegotiation agreement”. He would make $28.5 million and $30.6 million in the succeeding years. The new deal would call for Westbrook’s salary to jump from $17.8 million next season to the m. Instead of dealing the dynamic playmaker, Thunder GM Sam Presti was able to flip the script and lock down Westbrook, while giving OKC a superstar build around for at least the next two seasons. The Vertical also reported the pact would likely include a third-year player option.
After two seasons pass, Westbrook will then have the choice to remain with the Thunder for $30.6 million, or he can opt out and become an unrestricted free agent.
Advertisement
For now, Westbrook is getting a nice pay raise and the ability to show what he can do as a team leader without Kevin Durant.
