The Oklahoma City Thunder commit to long-term deals with center Steven Adams and guard Victor Oladipo. Both players signed to a four-year contract extension with Adams' contract being worth $100 million and Oladipo's is worth $84. The deal was announced by the Thunder's Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti and cement both players as part of the present and future of the Thunder along with perennial superstar Russel Westbrook.
Presti told the media in a press conference that he is excited to have Adams and Oladipo for the years to come. "Both players represent the Thunder's present and future, exhibiting the values of the Oklahoma community and our organization hold in high regard: hard work, team first, resiliency and citizenship."
Adams came into the league in 2013 as the 12th overall pick of the NBA draft. He has since then steadily earned his way into a starting role for the Thunder. The New Zealander center is a bruiser and is never afraid to bang down low. The other half of the 'stache brothers' is the team's defensive anchor is often the receiver of Westbrooks lobs.
Oladipo also came in the league in 2013 and was selected second overall by the Orlando Magic. The Indiana University standout was often compared to Dwayne Wide because of his explosiveness and his ability to drive to the basket and finish around the rim. His stint with Orlando did not result in a playoff appearance and both he and the Magic felt that it was time for a change. He got traded to the Thunder along with Ersan Ilyasova and draft rights to Domantas Sabonis in exchange for long-time Thunder forward Serge Ibaka.
Oladipo expressed his excitement and gratitude to have an opportunity to play for the Thunder. "I literally thought about being here a year ago and thought what it would be like to be on this team. And for it to actually happen, it's a surreal experience," said Oladipo.
With the departure of Kevin Durant in the offseason, the Thunder has become Westbrook's team. That means all of the attention of opposing teams will be focused on him when they play the Thunder. That gives Adams and Oladipo, as well as the rest of the team, a lot of room to do some damage by simply moving without the ball and getting out of Westbrook's way.
If the Thunder are going to make it deep into the playoffs, both players need to step it up offensively. Westbrook has been on a tear early in the season but the fatigue of an 82-game long season will eventually get to him.
