Westbrook in serious negotiations to stay with OKC Thunder

Russell Westbrook looks like he will be staying with the Oklahoma City Thunder for at least another season.

All-Star guard Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder are in serious negotiations on a three-year max extension worth more than $85 million, which could be finalized within the next 48 hours, league sources told ESPN. With the new deal, the Thunder are bumping Westbrook’s salary for 2016-2017 to $26.5 million.

According to the report, the new deal would include an nearly $9 million salary increase for Westbrook starting next season, paying him $26.5 million.

Westbrook’s current contract with the Thunder is set to end after this upcoming season, allowing him to become an UFA in the summer of 2017. He would make $28.5 million and $30.6 million in the succeeding years.

The key part of the deal is that the third year will be a player option at $30.6 million for 2018-2019.

Last season, Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, plus was named to the All-NBA 1st Team.

The Thunder had no choice but to give Westbrook everything he wanted to put the trade rumors to rest and now he can focus on playing ball and working on getting the Thunder back to the NBA Finals.