Russell Westbrook in talks with Thunder about contract extension
Russell Westbrook is in talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder about a contract extension, according to a report.
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski says Westbrook’s agent is in serious talks with the Thunder about extending the guard’s current deal, which expires after the upcoming season.
The extension they’re discussing would be for two years plus a player option for a third. In total, the three-year deal would be worth $85 million.
Westbrook is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after next season.
With the salary cap and influx of new money set to increase in the coming years, why would Westbrook want to sign an extension now instead of waiting to test free agency?
Well, Westbrook is only set to make $17.8 million this season, but the extension would bump that up to a $26.5 million max salary. He would make $28.5 million the year after, and his player option would be for $30.6 million in 2018-2019. It would be hard to imagine him beating that money on a per-season basis.
After Kevin Durant left the Thunder for the Warriors last month, initial reports said Westbrook would not discuss a contract extension with Oklahoma City. But the latest information has suggested that Westbrook is motivated by Durant leaving and now wants to show what he can do as OKC’s unquestioned leader. Signing on with OKC for two more years would give Westbrook that chance. The option would also allow him to become a free agent in a few seasons if he wants to see what other teams have to offer.
