Westbrook, tatanggap ng US$200M

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP) — Hindi pa lumalagda ng contract extention sa Oklahoma City si Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, ngunit nagpahiwatig na siya para manatili sa koponan.

Aniya, masaya siya higit at makakasama sa kanyang hangaring magwagi ng NBA title sina Carmelo Anthony at Paul George.

“I love it here,” aniya. “I like where I’m at, and I like where our team is at.”

Ipinapalagay na isa sa pinakamahusay na defensive wing ang four-time All-Star na si George, habang nananatiling top scorer sa liga ang 10- time All-Stars na si Anthony.

Ikinatuwa ni Westbrook, ang reigning MVP, sa trabaho ni general manager Sam Presti at nakuha ang serbisyo nang dalawa sa pinamatikas na player sa kasalukuyan.

“He’s done an amazing job and he’s done a great job ever since I’ve been here,” pahayag ni Westbrook. “He’s constantly doing things to make us better.”

Sinabi ni Westbrook na nabinbin ang paglagda niya sa contract extention dahil sa kapanganakan ng kanyang anak na lalaki. May hanggang Oct. 16 siya para pumira sa kontrata na nagkakahalag umano ng US$200 milyon.

“Just trying to get my family together. Having a new son can be a little difficult. Embracing family time before the season starts,” aniya.

Sinabi ni Anthony na nakatulong sa kanyang desisyon na lumipat sa Oklahoma ang magandang relasyon kay Westbrook.

“Me and Russ became closer and closer over the years,” pahayag ni Anthony.

“He was a big part of me coming here. Adding PG (George) was just another reason why I wanted to come here. Just wanted to bring some more energy. Winning a championship in our career is our goal.”