Westbrook is no Durant, inks deal to stay in OKC
Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — RussellWestbrook is staying with the Thunder.
The superstar point guard and reigning NBA MVP 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.
On Instagram on Friday, Westbrook posted a photo of himself yelling with his arms raised in the air at Chesapeake Energy Arena. He said this week that Oklahoma City is where he wanted to be, and that 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 on their deals after this season.
“I love being here,” Westbrook said. “I’mexcited about the season. Obviously, with a lot of new changes, and I’m excited.”
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 Warriors. Westbrook said he hadn’t signed the extension sooner because of other obligations.
“I’ve been at home,” he said. “I’ve been traveling. 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 traveling and moving around.”
Westbrook’s extension marks the second major deal by Thunder general manager Sam Presti in a week after adding Anthony. Now, Westbrook can focus on making this season special.
“We’ve got to figure out the best way for everybody to play and for our team to play,” Westbrook said Monday. “That part is easy, inmy opinion. Just being able to go out, and you have one goal, and that is win a championship. Guys will do what needs to be done to win a championship.”