Russell Westbrook Extends Contract With Thunder Through At Least 2018

by Pablo MenaAugust 5, 2016, 11:42 amNews >

Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed in principle to a renegotiated three-year contract worth $85-plus million, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Russell Westbrook Extends Contract With Thunder Through At Least 2018

Westbrook reportedly flew to Oklahoma City Thursday morning to make it official. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne was the first to report the news.

The Vertical reported the following:

“The proposed deal would include a player option on the third year, which would clear the way for Westbrook to return to free agency in 2018.

In the structure of a proposed deal, the renegotiation would move Westbrook’s salary in 2016-17 from $17.8 million to a $26.5 million max salary. Westbrook would make $28.5 million in 2017-18 and $30.6 million in the third year under the proposed renegotiated deal. Oklahoma City is able to offer the extension because it has the appropriate salary-cap space available.”

The news was also officially announced Thursday by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I am grateful to extend my contract with the Thunder and continue to play with the only organization that I have played for and have loved being a part of since I was drafted into the NBA,” said Westbrook. “I’m really excited about moving forward with this group of guys and continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world.”

Presti also praised the 27-year-old point guard for his contribution to the organization.

“Russell has been an outstanding leader of this team since he was drafted by our organization eight years ago. His competitiveness, character, and unique athletic ability have propelled him to the forefront of the game,” said Presti. “Russell personifies many of the traits that are synonymous with Oklahoma and Oklahomans. We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together.”

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half in game four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 24, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.