Westbrook reveals true colors with new deal
After losing an NBA MVP and All-NBA player in Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder could have gone straight into rebuilding mode.
Instead, the Thunder and GM Sam Presti stayed on their path of sustainability, reaching a three-year, $85 million extension with All-NBA guard Russell Westbrook.
It’s a move that solidifies the Thunder’s future and sheds light on Westbrook’s character and confidence. Westbrook was the one who was gone, right? Definitely headed to Los Angeles or New York, right? But Durant left and Westbrook stayed. “That’s a touchy subject,” Durant said of Westbrook’s extension Thursday during a USA Basketball press conference.
No doubt, it was a tough summer for the Thunder with Durant’s departure. But the Thunder handled that loss with class, delivering statements about what Durant meant to the franchise.
Then, they moved forward. How can they create a team that is not only competitive next season but competitive for the next few seasons? Years of planning and deal-making made the Westbrook extension possible.
About a week after Durant made his decision, Presti met with Westbrook and Westbrook’s agent at Westbrook’s youth basketball camp and spelled out the details of an extension and the implications.
Westbrook was intrigued and thought it over. By July 18, the Thunder rescinded their qualifying offer to Dion Waiters, a sign they felt strongly about reaching a deal on an extension with Westbrook. On Wednesday, Westbrook let the Thunder know of his commitment.
Westbrook likes playing in Oklahoma City and for the Thunder, likes the team the Thunder have assembled and wasn’t afraid of staying in Oklahoma City when everyone would’ve understood a decision to leave.
It shouldn’t be overlooked that Westbrook feels he’s an integral part of the franchise and is invested. The Thunder drafted him in 2008, the first season they played in Oklahoma City. It’s the only NBA city and team he has known and has a chance to create a lasting legacy.
Instead of fleeing, Westbrook doubled-down, and the Thunder are thrilled with his commitment. It’s the anti-Durant decision that puts the franchise at ease and endears Westbrook to fans.
Westbrook’s move also shuts down the non-stop speculation about free agency during the 2016-17 season.
Now, it’s impossible to ignore Durant’s move to Golden State and how it impacts the Thunder. Losing that kind of player can be devastating for a franchise. Look what happened to Cleveland when LeBron James left for Miami or what happened to Orlando when the Magic traded Dwight Howard to Los Angeles or what happened to New Orleans when Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Thunder could have decided to hit the reset button -- the kind word for tanking -- and rebuild the roster that way. But that hasn’t been a part of Presti’s sustainability plan. Keeping Westbrook was part of that plan.
If Oklahoma City hadn’t lost Durant, how would this team be regarded? They have six lottery picks on the roster: Westbrook, Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo, Cameron Payne, Enes Kanter and Domantas Sabonis. They also added rising Spanish star Alex Abrines. They are all 27 and younger.
Westbrook’s decision to stay keeps the Thunder relevant and gives the front office opportunities. The Thunder can offer extensions to Adams and Oladipo and Andre Roberson. Shouldn’t fans be as excited about the Thunder as they are about Portland or Utah?
The Thunder had a bad start to the summer. But the Thunder didn’t have to time to mope, moved on and that sinking feeling from a month ago has been replaced by newfound joy.
(USA Today/TNS)