Enes Kanter mocks KD, Lakers fans over Russell Westbrook’s extension

A month after Kevin Durant broke Oklahoma City’s heart to sign with the Warriors, Russell Westbrook has reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Thunder.

As soon as Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City to join Steph Curry and company with the Warriors, attention was turned toward Russell Westbrook. The deal includes a player option that would allow Westbrook to still become a free agent after the 2017-18 season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder has reached an agreement in principle with point guard Russell Westbrook on a maximum level contract renegotiation.

“On the news, on the cellphones, the social media”, Westbrook said Thursday during a news conference to announce an extension with the Thunder that is potentially worth $85.7 million over the next three seasons. What seems to hurt Westbrook the most is that Durant told him about his leaving only via a text message. There are plenty of reasons, but money is likely near the top of the list.

Westbrook did have financial incentive to delay free agency beyond 2017. “For me, just being able to see the team we have, the guys we have”. The Thunder are still a playoff team with Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Steven Adams and Domantas Sabonis. The departure of Durant probably lit a fire inside the two-time All-Star Game MVP and he will come out with a vengeance next season.

“You guys have basically raised me”.

Though the contract extension is for three years, it doesn’t necessarily mean Westbrook will remain with the Thunder for another three seasons. Hence, head coach Billy Donovan and general manager Sam Presti can now sleep a whole lot better with the assurance that they don’t have to look for some other star to rebuild the team.

The 27-year-old Westbrook is one of the top stars in the National Basketball Association and piled up 18 triple-doubles last season, tying Magic Johnson for the most in the last 30 years.

General manager Sam Presti said Westbrook “personifies numerous traits that are synonymous with Oklahoma and Oklahomans”.

By re-signing with the Thunder, Westbrook’s 2016-17 salary goes from $17.8 million to $26.5 million. They still have Westbrook, who could average a triple-double next season and may even end up winning the Most Valuable Player Award.