According to reports, Russell Westbrook will sign a three-year, $85 million contract extension/re-negotiation with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This will keep Westbrook in a Thunder uniform until the 2017-2018 season, with a player option in the summer of 2018. He is currently in California and will fly to Oklahoma City Thursday morning to sign the extension.
Sources: Russell Westbrook is flying to Oklahoma City on Thursday morning, planning to sign a three-year, $85M-plus contract renegotiation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2016
Report: Russell Westbrook to sign Contract Extension with Thunder
Westbrook was drafted by the Thunder in 2008 and has been with the organization since then. Last season, he averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. With his ability to create for himself and others, he finally has the chance to run the show by himself. We have seen glimpses of Westbrook running the show, and he has shown capable of being a franchise player.
For the Thunder organization, they finally have a positive move in their off-season after losing Kevin Durant last month. With Westbrook locked up for a few more years, it will give them a sense of relief and comfort. Before this report, there were many rumors that Westbrook would more than likely leave the Thunder next summer.
Future Free Agents
With next summer having one of the biggest free agency classes ever, Oklahoma City will be able to make pushes to sign top-tier players to play alongside Westbrook. Because of this extension, they will be able to pitch to the free agents that Westbrook is there for the long haul. It may be a small market, but Oklahoma City will certainly be a free agent destination next summer.
This is a step in the right direction for the Thunder. Although Durant is no longer a member of the organization, their other superstar, Westbrook, is committed to making them a contender again. After trading for Victor Oladipo, he has been working out with Westbrook in California, along with Billy Donovan. These two have the potential to be one of the best back courts in the entire league.
With Oladipo and Westbrook leading the way, the Thunder still have a chance to be a top five team in the Western Conference. Luckily, their front office made the right trades to keep them relevant in the case that they would lose Durant, which they did. There is hope for the Thunder going forward.
Main Photo
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 28: Russel Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the NBA basketball match against the Dallas Mavericks on December 28, 2014 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bilgin Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
