While other players are looking to test free agency, see where they want to be in a year or two, not make long-term decisions, one man knows where he belongs. NBA’s most explosive point guard and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook has finally signed a 5 year, $205 million extension which was sitting on his table for a long time now. This killed all the report about Westbrook’s intentions to skip OKC and head to LA. Westbrook previously said that he was simply busy during the summer, but that he knows where he want’s to be. By putting his signature on the deal, he transformed his words into actions.
Here to stay and lead us #ThunderFWD!!! pic.twitter.com/PM0NFvXBSk
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) September 29, 2017
Oklahoma City Thunder also released an official statement about Westbrook’s commitment.
“Russell represents everything we could have ever hoped for when building a basketball team for Oklahoma City,” said Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett. “His character, integrity and relentless drive have been a great unifier that has deeply and positively affected the spirit of our fans inside our arena, in our classrooms and in our neighborhoods. We recognize and deeply appreciate Russell’s rare and unique abilities as he leads the Oklahoma City Thunder, but also understand his presence and impact on our community will be felt for decades to come. On behalf of the entire Thunder organization, our ownership group and all of Oklahoma, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Russell and I know that the very best days for the Thunder are yet to come.”
“Russell’s commitment to the Thunder organization since its inception in 2008 has helped propel us to great heights and stare down great challenges over our first decade,” added OKC’s GM Sam Presti. “We are extremely fortunate to have an athlete, competitor and person such as Russell wear the Thunder uniform. To have him cement his legacy as a leader as we enter into our 10th season in Oklahoma City is extraordinary. I am extremely grateful to Russell, his family and to our ownership for the commitment and support that they have demonstrated in supporting our vision for the Thunder.”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City,” said Westbrook in the statement. “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?”
After getting this out of their way, OKC can now focus on just one thing; getting that NBA title. With Russ staying for at least 5 more years now, Thunder have set the foundation for great things. Their key piece is secured, and that makes it all easier to woe Paul George and Carmelo Anthony with the idea of staying in Oklahoma City.
