Westbrook signs reported 5-year, $205M extension with Thunder
Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder have put pen to paper on a reported five-year, $205-million contract extension, the team announced in a statement.
That figure, plus the outstanding $28.5 million that Westbrook is owed for the 2017-18 season, brings his total six-year guaranteed salary to an NBA-record $233 million, topping the $228 million Rockets guard James Harden is owed through 2022-23.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City,” said Westbrook through a team press release. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue my career here with the Thunder."
Earlier in the September, it was reported that Westbrook had also re-signed a long-term deal to remain with shoe sponsor Jordan Brand, allegedly the most lucrative contract in the company's history. That agreement will keep the Jumpman logo on Westbrook's feet, likely on a signature on-court shoe, through at least the 2025-26 season.
The Seattle Supersonics drafted Westbrook No. 4 overall in 2008; less than a month later, the organization would officially relocate to Oklahoma City. Over the next nine seasons Westbrook would average 22.7 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game, making six All-Star games and six All-NBA teams, and developing a reputation as one of the toughest, most explosive players in the game.
“We are extremely fortunate to have an athlete, competitor and person such as Russell wear the Thunder uniform," a statement from general manager Sam Presti reads. "To have him cement his legacy as a leader as we enter into our 10th season in Oklahoma City is extraordinary."
In 2016-17, Westbrook set a new standard for individual dominance in the modern NBA, averaging the first triple-double for a season since 1961-62 while leading the league in scoring. For his historic performance, he was honored with the league MVP Award.
In other completely coincidental news, Friday is the 29th birthday of Westbrook's former Thunder running mate, Kevin Durant.