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Thunder sign Russell Westbrook to contract extension

The Thunder have signed guard Russell Westbrook to a contract extension, the team announced Thursday.

It is reportedly a three-year deal worth $85.7 million.

“I am grateful to extend my contract with the Thunder and continue to play with the only organization that I have played for and have loved being a part of since I was drafted into the NBA,” said Westbrook. “I’m really excited about moving forward with this group of guys and continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world.”

This past season Westbrook appeared in 80 games (all starts) and averaged 23.5 points (eighth in the NBA), 10.4 assists (second in the NBA), 7.8 rebounds and 2.04 steals (fifth in the NBA) in 34.4 minutes to become just the second player in NBA history (Oscar Robertson) to average at least 23 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds for a single season.

“On behalf of the Thunder organization and the entire State of Oklahoma I want to congratulate Russ and offer my sincere appreciation for not only his profound presence and skill as a player, but for his high character, personal integrity and extraordinary leadership,” said Clayton I. Bennett, Thunder chairman. “We are thrilled he will continue with us and we look forward to exciting days ahead for the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

According to the Oklahoman, “Westbrook could have forced a trade. Could have sat tight this coming season, then bolted in free agency next summer. He did neither. He showed that he wants to be in OKC. Doesn’t mean forever. Doesn’t mean for the rest of his career. Durant taught us to tread lightly in looking too far into the future. But for now, Westbrook wants to finish what he started, wants the challenge of doing what he and Durant failed to do together. Wants to fight the good fight.”

During the 2015-16 season, Westbrook recorded 18 triple-doubles, equaling the most in the NBA since Magic Johnson accomplished the feat during the 1981-82 season. Westbrook also notched seven triple-doubles in March, the most by an NBA player in a calendar month since Michael Jordan in April of 1989.

“Russell has been an outstanding leader of this team since he was drafted by our organization eight years ago. His competitiveness, character, and unique athletic ability have propelled him to the forefront of the game,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Russell personifies many of the traits that are synonymous with Oklahoma and Oklahomans. We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together.”

A five-time All-Star and two-time All-Star MVP, Westbrook received All-NBA First Team honors at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. This past year, Westbrook was twice named the Western Conference Player of the Month, and his 54 double-doubles represented the most for a guard since the 2007-08 season (Chris Paul).

In eight seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook holds career averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.73 steals in 34.0 minutes per game. The UCLA product has helped guide the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals in four of the past six seasons.

As a member of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, Westbrook won a gold medal at the 2012 games in London. Additionally, Westbrook helped lead the USA Men’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Selected No. 4 overall in the 2008 NBA draft, Westbrook was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team; during the 2014-15 season, Westbrook led the NBA in scoring after averaging a career-best 28.1 points per game.

Westbrook received the 2014-15 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award as a result of his community involvement and philanthropic efforts. Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation have opened numerous reading centers throughout Oklahoma City public schools. “Russell’s Reading Rooms” provide underserved children with books, engaging students of all ages in reading. Westbrook’s charitable efforts have included hosting Thanksgiving meals, holiday parties and shopping sprees for Oklahomans in need, granting wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and participating in food distribution events, hospital visits and Thunder FIT clinics.

Metta World Peace is doing life coaching

Here’s ESPN NY with an update on Metta World Peace, who says he’s been passing his wisdom on to others, and still hopes to continue his NBA playing career:

Q: What are your plans for next season? Are you headed back to training camp with the Lakers? You’ve talked about a potential future in coaching. Is that on your radar?

A: Right now, I’m life coaching a lot of people that are in the NBA. I can’t say [who]. But I coach a couple players. But it’s not a thing where I’m going to hide and be that perfect mentor. I just give them the best advice I can and live my life accordingly. I’m doing that now and one day I would love to coach. The Lakers are tattooed in my heart. They gave me a second chance when everyone was down on me, they gave me a chance to win a ring. The city of Los Angeles, they put up with me. Because in our world, the world of corporate basketball, you should act accordingly, you know? And I don’t like to act accordingly (smiles). I’m just trying to be authentic. I’m trying, as much as possible, to keep that if I coach one day.

Q: So is the NBA on the back burner right now?

A: No, the NBA’s always on the front burner.

Derek Fisher open to keep playing

It sure seemed like Derek Fisher was retired as a pro player, but he seems to be keeping an open mind on that front. Here’s the Oklahoman reporting:

The 41-year-old former Thunder guard and New York Knicks head coach said via Twitter that he’s “open to dialogue” if an NBA team is interested. Fisher hasn’t played since playing for the Thunder in the 2014 Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

Clippers sign Alan Anderson

The Clippers have signed guard Alan Anderson.

Anderson brings intensity on both ends of the floor. He should help the Clippers’ bench.

Anderson, 33, spent last season with the Washington Wizards, where he averaged 5.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 13 games. The seven-year NBA veteran holds career averages of 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 300 games (66 starts) with the Charlotte Bobcats, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets and Wizards.

The Minneapolis native has spent time playing in the NBA Development League, Europe and China during his career. Anderson holds D-League career averages of 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 44 games (24 starts) with the Tulsa 66ers, New Mexico Thunderbirds and Canton Charge. In 2009-10, he captured the Euroleague Championship with Regal FC Barcelona and the following season, he was voted MVP of the Spanish Cup.

The Michigan State graduate boasted averages of 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists over his four-year career where he helped lead the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 2005.

Cavaliers re-sign James Jones

The Cavaliers have re-signed guard/forward James Jones.

“We’re very happy to have James back with the Cavaliers,” said Cavs General Manager David Griffin. “He is a Champion in every sense of the word and his leadership and professionalism over the last two years have translated with our team in many different ways that have helped us reach our goals. ‘Champ’ delivers a clear reflection of what success at the highest level should embody and his contributions and commitment to our team are something we need and appreciate greatly.”

Jones doesn’t play much. When he is on the court, he’s mostly there to shoot three-pointers.

Jones (6-8, 218) has spent the past two seasons with Cleveland after originally signing as a free agent with the team on August 5, 2014. Last season, Jones appeared in 48 games for the Cavaliers and averaged 3.7 points in 9.6 minutes, while shooting .394 from the three-point line and .808 from the free throw line. For his career, the 13-year NBA veteran has played in 661 regular season games (91 starts) with averages of 5.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game with Miami, Portland, Phoenix, Indiana and Cleveland.

Jones also played in 12 games during Cleveland’s championship run in the 2016 Playoffs. He has been a member of three NBA title teams (2012, 2013, 2016), appearing in 140 postseason contests over his career.

Spurs sign David Lee

The Spurs today officially signed forward-center David Lee.

Lee, 6-9/245, is a two-time NBA All-Star (2010, 2013) who was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2013. An NBA Champion with Golden State in 2015, Lee has played 750 career games and holds averages of 14.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 30.4 minutes while shooting .533 (4,339-8,146) from the floor and .774 (1,977-2,553) from the free throw line.

Lee brings good offense and rebounding, but his defensive ability has generally needed improvement.

With the legendary Tim Duncan having retired from basketball, the Spurs big-man rotation boasts impressive starters but a limited bench, so the Lee signing should help. The likely starter at power forward is LaMarcus Aldridge and at center is new addition Pau Gasol. Lee is now their most talented big reserve.

The 11-year veteran finished last season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 8.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting .636 (91-143) from the floor in 17.3 minutes over 25 games. Lee started the year with the Boston Celtics and averaged 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30 appearances before being waived on Feb. 19.

Originally drafted by New York in the first round (30th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft, the former Florida Gator spent his first five NBA seasons (2005-10) with the Knicks and averaged 13.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 30.1 minutes over 368 games. Lee was traded to Golden State following the 2009-10 season and would go on to average 16.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 33.2 minutes over 327 appearances with the Warriors before being dealt to Boston on July 9, 2015.

Lee is one of just three players in the NBA to total at least 10,000 points, 6,000 rebounds and 1,500 assists over the last 10 seasons, along with current Spur Pau Gasol and former San Antonio forward Tim Duncan.

Bucks re-sign Miles Plumlee

The Bucks have re-signed restricted free agent center Miles Plumlee, the team has announced.

“Miles is an athletic big man that gives us added depth on the frontline,” said Bucks General Manager John Hammond. “He does a really good job as a finisher around the basket and also as a rim protector on the defensive end. We’re very happy to have him back with the Bucks.”

The 27-year-old Plumlee averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game last season. He played in 61 games (14 starts) and shot a career- and team-high 60.1 percent from the field.

The 6-11 center enters his fifth NBA campaign with career averages of 5.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Originally drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the first round (26th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft, Plumlee has appeared in 228 career games (121 starts) with the Pacers, Phoenix Suns and Bucks.

Knicks sign J.P. Tokoto

The Knicks signed guard J.P. Tokoto today.

Until we hear otherwise, we will assume this deal merely brings Tokoto to Knicks training camp, where he’d have a chance to earn a regular season contract.

Tokoto, 6-6, 200-pounds, spent last season playing for the Oklahoma City Blue (D-League) where he averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.54 steals in 28.6 minutes in 48 games (25 starts).

He was drafted by the Sixers in the second round (58th overall) of the 2015 NBA Draft after playing three seasons at the University of North Carolina (2012-15). As a senior, Tokoto averaged 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.47 steals over 29.1 minutes in 38 games (34 starts).

The Rockford, IL-native, appeared in five games for the Knicks’ entry in the 2016 Orlando Pro Summer League, averaging 10.2 points and 4.2 rebounds over 27.0 minutes.

Likely Knicks starters in the backcourt next season are Derrick Rose and Courtney Lee. Minutes off the bench will likely go to guards Brandon Jennings and perhaps Sasha Vujacic and/or Justin Holiday.

Knicks sign guard Ron Baker

The Knicks signed guard Ron Baker today.

Until we hear otherwise, we will assume this signing merely brings Baker to Knicks training camp.

The Hays, KS-native, appeared in five games for the Knicks summer league team in this year’s Orlando League, averaging 14.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.80 steals over 29.6 minutes.

Baker, 6-4, 220-pounds, played four seasons at Wichita State University, averaging 13.2 points, on 43.3-percent shooting, with 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.31 steals over 30.6 minutes in 124 games. He was a part of three Missouri Valley Conference championships (2013, 2014, 2015), nine NCAA Tournament wins, two trips to the Sweet 16 (2013, 2015) and a trip to the 2013 Final Four. As a senior (2015-16), he averaged 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.51 steals over 31.6 minutes in 35 games. His postseason honors included: John R. Wooden Second Team All-American; USA Today Second Team All-American and 2015 finalist for Jerry West Award.

Delon Wright undergoes shoulder surgery

Raptors guard Delon Wright underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization today to fix a labral tear in his right shoulder. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Wright sustained the injury July 16 in the fourth quarter of a Las Vegas Summer League game versus Minnesota. X-rays taken on-site at Thomas & Mack Center were negative for a fracture and his dislocated shoulder was put back in place. Additional testing revealed a torn labrum.

Wright is expected to be sidelined a minimum of four months.

Wright, the 20th overall pick by the Raptors in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft, averaged 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 8.5 minutes in 27 appearances last season.