Just when it looked like reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook would play out the final year of his contract and hit free agency, major news broke Friday afternoon on that front.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Westbrook has agreed to a five-year, $205 million extension with the team.
Russell Westbrook has agreed to a five-year, $205M contract extension with OKC, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 29, 2017
It’s somewhat of a shock considering an offer of this ilk had been on the table throughout the summer. And during media availability to open camp, Westbrook himself dodged questions about a potential extension.
It’s very much possible that Westbrook is now sold on the direction of the Thunder. The team traded for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony during the offseason, both of whom are slated to become free agents next summer. One has to wonder if there’s something in the works regarding either or both of those players.
Westbrook now joins two-time MVP Stephen Curry as the only players to have agreed to new contracts valued at $200-plus million. MVP runner-up James Harden signed an extension with the Houston Rockets with a total value north of $200 million as well.