There was a time when we weren’t even sure if Russell Westbrook would remain in Oklahoma City before the 2016-17 season tipped off. Now, it looks like he’ll be staying there as a member of the Thunder for at least a few years.
Out of nowhere, late Wednesday night, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported that Westbrook will sign a contract extension with the team on Thursday.
Sources: Russell Westbrook is flying to Oklahoma City on Thursday morning, planning to sign a three-year, $85M-plus contract renegotiation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) August 4, 2016
Westbrook's been in Los Angeles, working out with Victor Oladipo this week. Donovan has been in gym too. Early morning flight to OKC.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) August 4, 2016
Westbrook was set to make $17.8 million this season, and he’ll now make $26.5 million. This deal would also give him an option on the third year, so he’d really only be committing to the Thunder for two seasons, as he could potentially opt out.
Russell Westbrook would be in position to cash in with a massive contract in July of 2018…
(h/t @BobbyMarks42) pic.twitter.com/94uIhgWbQx
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) August 4, 2016
When Kevin Durant left for the Warriors, the Thunder’s No. 1 priority was retaining Westbrook, and now they’ve done just that. Thunder fans can breathe a bit easier now.
