Throughout his career, there is no question that Russell Westbrook has garnered his share of criticism on the court. He has been hit for shooting first than passing, a rarity among point guards.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a cast that didn’t need Westbook to showboat all be his lonesome. Kevin Durant was the other (if not main) star with other options before like James Harden, Reggie Jackson, Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha.
All of those names are now gone, moving on to other teams. Westbrook could have opted to follow and all of that would have gone down next season. But the all star guard did something most didn’t expect him to do – sign an extension.
Westbrook’s unusual move
Just when trade rumors involving Westbrook were heating up, news about him signing an extension comes out. Westbrook signed a three-year extension worth $85.7 million with an opt-out clause on the last year, per ESPN.
Russell Westbrook has agreed in principle to a new deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be signed... https://t.co/vsoIcejzrc
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 4, 2016
So just like that, Westbrook turns from villain to hero as he follows a different route. The money angle was still there but unlike Durant, he prefers to prove his worth and try to win an NBA title right with the very same team he started his NBA career with.
When asked on why he signed an extension with the Thunder, he needed no elaboration. "There's no need to wait if you know where you want to be."
Prepping for bigger money
Westbrook’s move to sign and extension is surprising though it may be a seed of bigger things to come. By the time the player option comes around, he will have completed 10 seasons and can earn a more lucrative pay.
Hence for the meantime, Westbrook can try and improve his stock. He has two years to prove his worth and nothing could be better than to deliver an NBA title for the Thunder.
But Westbrook cannot do it alone. General manager Sam Presti needs to back up his new franchise player with proper talent if the Thunder are to make a serious run at a possible NBA crown.
