Westbrook signs deal to stay with Thunder

Russell Westbrook is staying with the Thunder.

The All-Star point guard and reigning NBA MVP has signed a contract extension to remain in Oklahoma City, the team announced Friday. 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 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 All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Both have player options 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.”

Westbrook averaged a tripledouble last season and was the league scoring champion. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists.

The NBA is recommending teams address fans or show videos expressing themes of unity before their first home games, while reminding them of the rule that players must stand for the national anthem.

A memo was sent to teams Friday, a day after Commissioner Adam Silver said he expected players would stand for the anthem. In the memo, obtained by the Associated Press, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum suggests teams use their opening games “to demonstrate your commitment to the NBA’s core values of equality, diversity, inclusion and serve as a unifying force in the community.”

The memo was first reported by ESPN.com.

Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder was arrested on misdemeanor battery charges for a fight outside a late-night restaurant in Brookhaven, Ga., early Friday morning.