After losing Kevin Durant in free agency last offseason while getting nothing in return, reports surfaced late last week that the Oklahoma City Thunder may look to trade Russell Westbrook should he decline to sign the extension they’re planning to offer him this summer. According to Royce Young of ESPN, it now doesn’t seem like they'll likely not have to worry about it.
According to Royce Young of ESPN, the Thunder is expecting Westbrook to re-sign with them once this year’s free agency starts. They will most likely not waste any time in giving him a designated player exception offer worth around $200 million, which he is expected to accept.
“The Thunder will offer him a brand-new, five-year extension — Westbrook is locked in for 2017-18 — when the clock strikes midnight on July 1, making him one of the highest-paid players in NBA history, should he take it. It would signal a complete commitment to the Thunder, with Westbrook shucking any thoughts of joining a super-team elsewhere to take on the Golden State Warriors juggernaut, as he embarks on a mission to slay the giant on his own terms.”
“Those close to Westbrook fully expect him to take the Thunder's offer, quite possibly at 12:01 a.m., and stabilize the franchise and present a clear road map. Westbrook signed an extension last summer and invoked the word “loyalty” for a reason. He wanted to make a statement — a public declaration — and take on the burden of leading the franchise forward.”
Upon hearing his acceptance speech on Monday, following the awarding of the MVP award to him for this past season, many agreed that he didn't sound like a guy considering leaving Oklahoma City, a city and organization he's very grateful for. Young adds that Westbrook also has a close connection with the front office and head coach, and believes in what the Thunder are building towards.
He likes the existing roster and has a close relationship and confidence in Presti and Weaver. He has built a strong bond with head coach Billy Donovan. He knew what he signed for and, with the Thunder coming off a successful first post-Durant season and with pieces in place to improve the team, there are a lot of reasons to commit again.
Westbrook had a season for the ages as he became the first player in 55 years to average a triple-double throughout the entire regular season. Despite the departure of Durant last summer, he was still able to lead them to a playoff appearance. Should he ultimately sign the new five-year deal, it will allow him to continue what he has started this past campaign, and will give him an opportunity to help the Thunder in luring big name free agents to play alongside him with the hopes of further improving their chances of competing for a title in the future.
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