NBA Rumors: ‘Significant momentum’ toward Russell Westbrook extension
By Matt Couden
The Oklahoma City Thunder are said to be in serious talks with Russell Westbrook’s agent about a contract renegotiation to keep Westbrook in OKC through the 2018-19 season.
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After losing superstar Kevin Durant in free agency this summer to the Golden State Warriors, it seems the Oklahoma City Thunder don’t want to see the same thing happen with their remaining All-Star Russell Westbrook. A recent report from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical indicates OKC is in serious talks with Westbrook’s agent about a contract renegotiation.
Per our report on Westbrook/OKC discussions, there's significant momentum toward a 3-year, $85M agreement - with player option for 2018-'19
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2016
According to Wojnarowski, serious momentum is being made to get a three-year, $85 million contract done that would include a player option for 2018-2019. With the deal, Westbrook would make a $26.5 million max salary next season instead of the original $17.8 million if he doesn’t sign the extension. He’d then make $28.5 million for the 2017-18 season and $30.6 million in the third year of the proposed deal.
Westbrook can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the upcoming season.
It’s quite obvious the team was hurt a lot by the departure of former NBA MVP Kevin Durant, and it’s been no secret that Westbrook may have been displeased with Durant’s move as well. However, as the team looks to build towards the future, they clearly want to show Westbrook he’s their top star.
Securing Westbrook with a deal like this could also pave the way for the team to land another top prospective free agent in OKC such as Blake Griffin, who had been a rumored player of interest for the team and starred for the Oklahoma Sooners.
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