Russell Westbrook Extension Crucial to Team's Future, Great Deal for OKC Thunder

Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a five-year, $80 million maximum contract extension.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports was the first to report the agreement:

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The agreement, which begins next season, solidifies the franchise’s two cornerstone players—Westbrook and MVP candidate Kevin Durant—for years to come.  Westbrook, 23, has emerged as one of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards.

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Westbrook's new contract will guarantee him 25 percent of the salary cap.

Clearly, there is no dueling dynamic between Westbrook and Durant.

GM Sam Presti and the entire front office staff in Oklahoma City have done a phenomenal job of building a winning atmosphere in a small market.

The news of Westbrook's extension comes approximately a year-and-a-half after the Thunder announced Durant's five-year extension; this club is going to be a formidable opponent in the Western Conference for the foreseeable future.

For all of the criticism that Westbrook has received (a lot of it unfair) over the course of his career, this was an absolute no-brainer for the Thunder.

One of the most talented point guards in basketball, Westbrook has shown progression every season he's been in the league.

Westbrook is an elite athlete, though he is learning how to play the position and still hasn't reached his ceiling.

A model of durability, Westbrook has yet to miss a single regular season game during his tenure in the NBA, which is downright remarkable considering the litany of injuries that pile up on a yearly basis around the league.

The Thunder also have big men Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison locked up through the 2014-15 season.

Also, Oklahoma City has done a phenomenal job of preserving some cap flexibility in order to pay James Harden when he's eligible for an extension.

Coming into the 2011-12 season, many considered the Thunder as legitimate title contenders, and there is no reason to think that will change in the future so long as the key contributors remain healthy.

Westbrook and Durant, both only 23 years old, will now be playing alongside one another for a very long time.

Locking up Westbrook is a strong statement from the Oklahoma City franchise about its commitment to winning, and it's a move that will resonate soundly around the league.

Thunder fans are rightfully excited about the future of their team.