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. The first two seasons are guaranteed and Westbrook will have a player option after 2017-2018. This deal means his current salary will jump from $17.8 million to $25.6 million. Many believed the team would also fail to retain Westbrook, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the franchise.
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This video includes clips from The Oklahoman and Foot Locker and images from Getty Images.
The Thunder had remained hopeful about their chances of renegotiating and extending Westbrook’s contract throughout the offseason. I don’t know, man.
Michael Jordan has high praise for Russell Westbrook. Many believed the Thunder would trade Westbrook so that they would be able to get something back for him, instead of him leaving after this upcoming season when he was set to become a free agent.
After the 2016-2017 season, the extension deal will make Westbrook’s salary jump to more than $26 million which is the maximum amount allowable.
Clayton Bennet, the Oklahoma Thunder’s chairman congratulated Westbrook in behalf of the team and state.
During the 2015-16 season, Westbrook recorded 18 triple-doubles, equaling the most in the National Basketball Association since Magic Johnson accomplished the feat during the 1981-82 season.
Westbrook averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists in the seven years that he played in OKC. “We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together”.
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Russell Westbrook on Thursday said he found out about Kevin Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder “like y’all found out”. Durant was drafted second overall by Seattle in 2007.
