Russell Westbrook Rumors: Thunder Closing in on Contract Extension with Star
Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly nearing an agreement on a contract renegotiation that would allow the franchise more time to construct a title contender around the tenacious point guard following Kevin Durant's shocking summer exodus.
According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, "there’s momentum toward a three-year, $85 million-plus maximum contract renegotiation agreement" that would pay Westbrook $26.5 million next season and $28.5 million during the 2017-18 campaign. The reported renegotiation also includes a player option for the 2018-19 season valued at $30.6 million.
Westbrook, who is under contract for $17.8 million for the 2016-17 season, was scheduled to be one of the most coveted free agents on the market next summer. Agreeing to terms on a restructured contract would give OKC breathing room to come up with a blueprint for the franchise's future.
ESPN.com's Zach Lowe explained such a deal would be a major win for the Thunder:
But as the Bay Area News Group's Anthony Slater noted, striking an agreement now would behoove Westbrook. The five-time All-Star would earn $9 million more next season and be able to enter free agency in 2018 and earn a super-max contract after accruing 10 years of service.
In other words, this is a "best of both worlds" scenario for Westbrook and the Thunder.
Not only would the accord give Thunder general manager Sam Presti time to recruit stars to play alongside their franchise cornerstone, but it also would relieve Westbrook of putting the organization in a pinch after Durant bolted for the Bay Area.
On July 26, ESPN.com's Royce Young wrote Westbrook was "either in with the Thunder or he tells them he's not, and they trade him." At the same time, Young noted Oklahoma City really wanted a commitment "in the form of a renegotiated extension, which would serve as a declaration of responsibility to take over the burden of the franchise, as well as stabilizing it for the long term."
Young also reported there was a "growing belief" Westbrook would "think heavily" about signing an extension after the team renounced its rights to Dion Waiters and cleared the cap space necessary to accommodate a renegotiation.
Now that the sides appear close to finalizing things, Westbrook and the Thunder can shift their focus to the 2016-17 season and life without Durant.
