Russell Westbrook resigns with OKC Thunder with 3-year deal

After having their best player leave to sign with the Golden State Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder are fighting to stay relevant in the Western Conference & in the NBA. Per ESPN, the Oklahoma City Thunder & Russell Westbrook have agreed to a 3-year contract extension worth $85.7 million. Essentially it is a 2 year extension with a player option in the 3rd year which Westbrook will more than likely decline to become a free agent in order to capitalize on the league rule allowing players who have completed 10 seasons to earn a larger max salary. This was a major move for not only the Oklahoma City Thunder but also for Russell Westbrook. From an individual standpoint, Westbrook will now be the clear No.1 option for OKC while surrounded by other young talented players that can grow & develop around him while still being a playoff contender. There was much speculation that after Durant left that Westbrook would follow suit next year, and the Thunder would be left with nothing. Obviously that isn’t the case, with Westbrook locked in for another two seasons that gives the Thunder plenty of time to sign or trade for another All-Star caliber player to pair with Westbrook or just wait & see how their young players grow & develop around their MVP-caliber point guard.