Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook signs 5-year extension

By Michael Saenz

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game Four in the 2017 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Quarterfinals on April 23, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Oklahoma City defeated Houston 115-113 NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game Four in the 2017 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Quarterfinals on April 23, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Oklahoma City defeated Houston 115-113 NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Russell Westbrook signs a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder

After losing Kevin Durant last summer, both Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder had to lean on each other.

Westbrook was patient with OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti, and this summer Presti repaid Westbrook’s patience with Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Westbrook repaid Presti by signing a five-year contract extension.

Westbrook officially put pen to paper Friday afternoon, extending with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a five-year, $205 million deal. The extension officially begins in the 2018-19 NBA season, and Westbrook has an opt out after the 2021-22 season.

"[via ESPN]"

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"By signing for the Designated Player Veteran Extension, it allows for Westbrook to sign for 35 percent of the salary cap and five additional seasons. Westbrook will earn $233 million, which includes $205 million for the new extension and $28 million for his 2017-18 salary. His 2018-19 salary, the first year of the extension, will be $35.3 million."

Westbrook, in a statement, said that there’s no other place he’d rather be than in Oklahoma City. He confirmed the signing on Instagram by posting a picture of himself in a Thunder uniform with the caption, “WHY NOT??”.

Westbrook is coming off the best season of his career thus far, averaging a triple-double, in which he ran away with the NBA’s MVP award. Despite losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Houston Rockets, Westbrook single-handily carried the Thunder to the playoffs in a ferocious Western Conference.

Now, though, he won’t have to do it alone. A year after Kevin Durant ditched Westbrook and the Thunder to play in Golden State, Presti managed to trade for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. OKC, a year after being an afterthought in the West, might actually be the biggest threat to the Warriors.

Must Read: Dwyane Wade says he wants to end his career in Miami

At the very least, it’ll give Golden State another team to worry about come playoff time.

Home/Oklahoma City Thunder