Medicine Hat News

AP Source: Thunder star Russell Westbrook signs extension

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OKLAHOMA CITY Russell Westbrook is staying with the Thunder.

The superstar point guard and reigning NBA MVP has signed a contract extension to remain in Oklahoma City, a person with the knowledge of the agreement said Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not disclosed the deal. ESPN first reported the agreement and said it would be for five years and worth $205 million.

Westbrook made an Instagram post Friday afternoon, a photo of him yelling at Chesapeake Energy Arena with his arms are raised in the air. His words of choice to go with the photo are the words he lives by and the name of his charitable foundation: “WHY NOT??”

Westbrook said this week that Oklahoma City is where he wanted to be. He said he was thrilled with the offseason additions of four-time All-Star Paul George and 10-time AllStar Carmelo Anthony. Both have player options on their deals after this season.

“I love being here,” he said. “I'm excited about the season. Obviously, with a lot of new changes, and I'm excited. From that, I'm going to leave it there.”

Westbrook averaged a triple-double last season and was the league scoring champion. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists and broke Oscar Robertson's single-season record for triple-doubles with 42.

His success increased anxiety for Thunder fans who feared he might leave, as Kevin Durant did during the summer of 2016 when he chose to join the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook signed the extension on Durant's 29th birthday.

Westbrook said he hadn't signed because of other obligation­s.

“I've been at home,” he said. “I've been travelling. Just trying to get my family together, honestly. You know, having a new son can be a little difficult, you know what I mean? I've been trying to help my wife, help my family and enjoying and embracing that moment as much as I can because I know during the season, I'm going to be travelling and moving around.”

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