Oklahoma City Mayor creates official ‘Russell Westbrook Day’

Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook is beloved by Oklahoma City so much that they are giving him his own day.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a tumultuous offseason. They lost Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors in the opening days of NBA Free Agency, and seemingly had to regroup from there. This put Russell Westbrook’s status in question, as his deal was going to expire after the 2016-17 season.

However, Westbrook officially re-signed with the Thunder on Thursday, receiving three years, $87.5 million. He has a player option after the 2017-18 season. So, OKC is guaranteed to have their top player around for at least the next two seasons.

The former 2008 first round pick may now be the most beloved figure in the city. Evidence of this could be from Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett creating an official document to make August 4, 2016, “Russell Westbrook Day”.

If Durant received royalty treatment from the city before, Westbrook’s may be legendary. He’ll get the red carpet laid out for him wherever he goes since he showed loyalty to OKC. This should make the reception he receives in the Thunder’s first home game — thunderous.

Russell Westbrook will be relied on more than ever in 2016-17 to lead the Thunder to the playoffs. If he does so, there could be an NBA MVP trophy waiting for him once the regular season concludes in April.

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