Westbrook signs OKC deal: 'No need to wait'
Russell Westbrook signed a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, ending speculation that has run rampant since Kevin Durant departed for the Golden State Warriors.
The team did not disclose terms of the deal, but sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Chris Broussard that the new contract is potentially worth $85.7 million over the next three seasons. The deal includes a player option that would allow Westbrook to still become a free agent after the 2017-18 season.
“There’s nowhere else I would rather be than Oklahoma City,” Westbrook said at a news conference to announce the deal. “You guys have basically raised me. I’ve been here since I was 18, 19 years old. You guys did nothing but good things for me. Through the good and the bad, you guys supported me through it all, and I appreciate it. Definitely when I had the opportunity to be able to be loyal to you guys, that’s the No. 1 option. Loyalty is something that I stand by.”
Asked why he agreed to the extension now rather than wait until next season, Westbrook was emphatic: “There’s no need to wait if you know where you want to be.”
Talks between the sides centered around the addition of two more years to Westbrook’s current deal, which expires after the 2016-17 season. The new deal would call for Westbrook’s salary to jump from $17.8 million next season to the maximum $26.5 million. He would then earn the max the next two seasons if he exercises the third-year option.
The player option for the third season of the deal will allow Westbrook to capitalize on the league rule allowing players who have completed 10 seasons to earn a larger max salary.
“On behalf of the Thunder organization and the entire State of Oklahoma I want to congratulate Russ and offer my sincere appreciation for not only his profound presence and skill as a player, but for his high character, personal integrity and extraordinary leadership,” Thunder chairman Clayton I. Bennett said in the statement. “We are thrilled he will continue with us and we look forward to exciting days ahead for the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
In the wake of former MVP Durant leaving, the Thunder made locking up Westbrook to a long-term deal their primary offseason objective. Oklahoma City removed its qualifying offer to restricted free agent Dion Waiters to free up cap space to offer Westbrook a max extension. Waiters agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat last month.
Enthusiasm for Westbrook’s signing extended to the Oklahoma City city hall, with mayor Mick Cornett proclaiming Thursday Russell Westbrook Day.
Happy Russell Westbrook Day #TheRoarContinues pic.twitter.com/vXWr0LQHug
— Mick Cornett (@MickCornett) August 4, 2016
Westbrook excelled in 2015-16, tying Hall of Famer Magic Johnson for the most triple-doubles in the past 30 years with a league-high 18, including seven in the month of March.
A five-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP, Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists last season and finished fourth in the MVP voting.
“Russell has been an outstanding leader of this team since he was drafted by our organization eight years ago. His competitiveness, character and unique athletic ability have propelled him to the forefront of the game,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said. “Russell personifies many of the traits that are synonymous with Oklahoma and Oklahomans. We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together.”
Information from ESPN’s Chris Broussard and Ramona Shelburne was used in this report.
