Russell Westbrook agrees to five-year extension with Thunder

Russell Westbrook agrees to five-year extension with Oklahoma City Thunder

By John Buhler | Sep 29, 2017

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals game of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder fans can rejoice once again this summer. Reigning NBA MVP point guard Russell Westbrook has reportedly inked a five-year extension.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to win in summer 2017. Not only did general manager Sam Presti pull off two blockbuster trades to land wings Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, but the team’s best player in point guard Russell Westbrook looks to be in the Sooner State for a very long time.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “Russell Westbrook has agreed to a five-year, $205 million contract extension with OKC.” Westbrook has played all nine of his NBA seasons (2009-present) with the Thunder.

Russell Westbrook has agreed to a five-year, $205M contract extension with OKC, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 29, 2017

In 2016-17, Westbrook was named NBA MVP for averaging a triple-double. Westbrook led the Thunder back to the Western Conference Playoffs in the first year without Kevin Durant. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game during that MVP campaign.

Though it only resulted in one playoff win in 2017, it helped establish that Oklahoma City is Westbrook’s team and his alone. He has had this offer on the table all summer, but had not inked the offer until Friday.

Westbrook was entering the final year of his contract with the Thunder. Though a tremendously loyal guy, some speculated the native Angeleno might sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. Now he will be under contract for the next five seasons with the Thunder.

This signing by Westbrook could help re-establish the Thunder as a power player in the West going forward. By him inking that reported $205 million deal, it might signify to Anthony and George that Oklahoma City is the place to be if they want to win a championship.

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Both Anthony and George are ringless and entering the final year of their contracts. George had played his whole NBA career with the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Thunder. Anthony recently waived his no trade clause with the New York Knicks to join Oklahoma City’s cause at least for this season.

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