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Following months of building anticipation, reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook finally signed the five-year, $205 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
In response to the move, Westbrook has released a statement about his decision to re-sign with the Thunder in a team press release.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City,” said Westbrook. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue my career here with the Thunder. From day one the support that Mr. Bennett, Sam, Troy and the entire organization have given me and my family has been incredible, and we are so grateful. When you play in Oklahoma City you play in front of the best fans in the world, I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve got, for them, this city and for this organization. WHY NOT?”
Although Westbrook took quite some time to ink the deal, he had continued to voice that he wanted to stay with the organization long term. Now that he's under contract for the next several years, it at least keeps the Thunder locked in with a franchise cornerstone player if either or both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony leave in free agency next summer.
Westbrook is coming off the best individual season where he averaged a league-leading 31.6 points, 10.4 assists, and 10.7 rebounds per game, which he joined Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple-double for an entire season.
What was also interesting about the timing of the signing is that it came on his former teammate Kevin Durant's 29th birthday. This alone could further fuel speculation about their standing with each at this point in time. Nonetheless, the Thunder finally have their superstar under contract to a long-term deal.
