Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has been on heavy watch since his teammate Kevin Durant left town. Much has been speculated about his future with OKC, but according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Westbrook’s agent is in renegotiation talks with the Thunder about a possible extension.
Thad Foucher of Wasserman Media Group, the agent for Oklahoma City superstar Russell Westbrook, is engaged in serious talks with the Thunder on a contract renegotiation that could secure Westbrook through the 2018-19 season in Oklahoma City, league sources told The Vertical.
No deal has been finalized for the five-time All-Star guard, but there’s momentum toward a three-year, $85 million-plus maximum contract renegotiation agreement, league sources told The Vertical.
Wojnarowski adds that this deal would include a player option on the third year, which would give Westbrook the option to hit free agency in 2018. Without the extension, Westbrook would be hitting unrestricted free agency next summer.
In the aftermath of Durant’s departure, Westbrook’s name surfaced in many reports. It was believed that the Thunder might trade Westbrook before possibly losing him in free agency for nothing. The latest bit from the Thunder was that Westbrook was not available for trade, and not only do they have every intention of re-signing him, but have plans of potentially pairing him with Blake Griffin in the future.
With the Thunder reportedly closing in on an extension for Westbrook, at least for another two years, they give themselves a chance to re-calibrate and build another elite contender in that time.
UPDATE:
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Russell Westbrook are expected to finalize an agreement early tomorrow, according to Adrian Wojnarowksi of The Vertical on Yahoo! Sports and Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN.
Russell Westbrook has agreed in principle to a new deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be signed Thursday, per sources.
Technically this is a renegotiation (of this year’s contract) and a 1+1 extension for Westbrook. Total value $85.7 million and change.
Sources: Russell Westbrook is flying to Oklahoma City on Thursday morning, planning to sign a three-year, $85M-plus contract renegotiation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) August 4, 2016
Sources: Thunder will likely hold a news conference on Thursday with Westbrook, owner Clay Bennett, GM Sam Presti and coach Billy Donovan.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) August 4, 2016
