In talking to the media on Monday, Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook would not answer questions relating to a potential contract extension with the team.
Russell Westbrook doesn't answer question about whether he'll sin five-year, $207 million extension before Oct. 16 deadline pic.twitter.com/kDrQZ5DytI
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 25, 2017
“I love being here, I am excited about the season,” Westbrook said. “From that, we will leave it there.”
Thunder general manager Sam Presti indicated during the offseason that the team had offered Westbrook a max-contract extension (more on that here).
Said extension would pay Westbrook $207 million over five seasons. He has until mid-October to sign the deal. If that doesn’t happen, the Thunder’s best player will hit free agency next summer.
All this comes on the heels of Oklahoma City trading for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, both of whom are said to be actively recruiting Dwyane Wade to the team.
If Westbrook were to wait to re-sign with the Thunder, he could demand a no-trade clause during the summer. That could potentially be one of the reasons he’s holding off.
It’s also important to note that George and Anthony will likely join Westbrook as free agents next summer. It’s possible the reigning NBA MVP wants to see how the 2017-18 season plays out before committing to the Thunder long term.