Westbrook on extension: OKC 'is a place I want to be'

The Oklahoma City Thunder have enjoyed a stellar offseason, but their fan base still has concerns about next summer. A major impetus for that concern is the fact Russell Westbrook still hasn't signed the five-year max contract extension the Thunder have offered him.

Well, Thunder fans may be able to rest a little easier after hearing Westbrook's reason for the delay.

"Man, it's been a long, long summer. Had a baby. Been working on a little fatherhood," he said at media day on Monday, according to ESPN's Royce Young. "But like I've said before, this is a place I want to be."

The NBA deadline for signing the extension is Oct. 16, which still gives both sides three weeks to sit down and consummate the deal.

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For the Thunder, everything else flows from Westbrook's extension. Paul George becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer amid rumors he's gazing longingly at his hometown Los Angeles Lakers. Late addition Carmelo Anthony has an early termination option on his contract as well. Keeping Westbrook is a must for OKC after Kevin Durant left for nothing last summer.