Thunder sign Russell Westbrook to multi-year extension!

[MeLO MvP 15]

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed guard Russell Westbrook to a multi-year extension, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Multiple reports say the deal is for five years and $78 million.

“We are thrilled to solidify Russell’s future with the Thunder,” said Presti. “Since we arrived in Oklahoma City, Russell’s work ethic, persistence, character, and involvement in our community have helped us establish the standards that we are committed to on a day-to-day basis. He is a valued member of our organization and we look forward to his continued contributions on and off the floor.”

Read more: http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=9095#ixzz1jviPej8t

[pete's montreux]

So two games go him an extension?

[Tenchi Ryu]

Damn, so I guess he didn't want to try to get the Derrick Rose rule extension...still a nice check though.

[2LeTTeRS]

Good for OKC. I thought OKC was offering $80 mil and Westbrook wanted like $90 though. *Waits for Jeff to edit this with a link to insidehoops.


Damn, so I guess he didn't want to try to get the Derrick Rose rule extension...still a nice check though.

It wasn't possible for OKC to pay him any more than they did in this deal. Teams are only allowed one "designated player," and Durant already took that slot for the Thunder.

[FireDavidKahn]

Good for OKC. I thought OKC was offering $80 mil and Westbrook wanted like $90 though. *Waits for Jeff to edit this with a link to insidehoops.
That isn't possible under the CBA. Westbrook was only eligible for a 25% max contract, Durant was eligible for the 30% max.

[KBryant24]

Glad to see him get paid and give somewhat of a discount, considering he could have gotten more if he drug out the process. OKCs FO knows what they are doing, extending durant and then Westbrook quick and quietly

[2LeTTeRS]

Glad to see him get paid and give somewhat of a discount, considering he could have gotten more if he drug out the process. OKCs FO knows what they are doing, extending durant and then Westbrook quick and quietly

I wish people understood that this could not happen. I know there have been reports out there claiming that Russ was demanding more, but unfortunately those reports didn't understand the changes in the CBA.

[Faptastrophe]

Nice to see that OKC has two stars in their rein for the foreseeable future.
But I wonder what the Thunder's cap look like now.

[KBryant24]

That isn't possible under the CBA. Westbrook was only eligible for a 25% max contract, Durant was eligible for the 30% max.
would westbrook have been eligible for 30% if he made it to the allstar game again this year?

[FireDavidKahn]

would westbrook have been eligible for 30% if he made it to the allstar game again this year?
No, you have to be named an all star starter twice (there are other conditions as well) while on your rookie contract to get the 30% max

[Nash-tastic]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=A2KJhq2lXRhPEwQAkAC8vLYF?slug=aw-wojnarowski_russell_westbrook_thunder_contract_nba _011912

[Tenchi Ryu]

No, you have to be named an all star starter twice (there are other conditions as well) while on your rookie contract to get the 30% max
There were 3 possible ways to get it...

You either had to become MVP

Make Allstar Starter twice

or Make the All NBA TEAM twice

The bolded was Westbrook's way to get in, all he had to do was make it one more time this year.

[2LeTTeRS]

No, you have to be named an all star starter twice (there are other conditions as well) while on your rookie contract to get the 30% max


Your right, but for the wrong reason. Russ is in his 4th year so he's still in his rookie deal, so had he been an all-star this year he would have met the criteria to be eligible for a Derrick Rose rule deal.

However the problem is the CBA also states a team can only have one designated player, and the Thunder already have one.

[Tenchi Ryu]

However the problem is the CBA also states a team can only have one designated player, and the Thunder already have one.
It says that? Cause the only thing I saw with the Rose rule was that it was for Franchise Players, and I considered Westbrook a franchise player
:confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:

[Eric Cartman]

It says that? Cause the only thing I saw with the Rose rule was that it was for Franchise Players, and I considered Westbrook a franchise player
:confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:


Only 1 per team.

[2LeTTeRS]

It says that? Cause the only thing I saw with the Rose rule was that it was for Franchise Players, and I considered Westbrook a franchise player
:confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:

Thats what I've read. Heres a clip from an article on the Wolves extending Kevin Love. Check out the 2nd paragraph.


Unresolved is whether it will be a four-year contract approaching $61 million or a maximum five-year "designated player" deal surpassing $78 million.

The NBA's new labor agreement allows every team one designated player -- a player ending his rookie contract who receives a five-year maximum-salary contract extension -- on their roster.

The Wolves prefer to save that designated-player slot for the future -- to re-sign Ricky Rubio in three years, perhaps -- but their negotiations with agent Jeff Schwartz might depend on what deals Oklahoma City reaches with Russell Westbrook and New Orleans reaches with Eric Gordon.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/137635328.html

[FireDavidKahn]

Your right, but for the wrong reason. Russ is in his 4th year so he's still in his rookie deal, so had he been an all-star this year he would have met the criteria to be eligible for a Derrick Rose rule deal.

However the problem is the CBA also states a team can only have one designated player, and the Thunder already have one.
It isn't just being an all star, you have to be a 2+ all star STARTER.

You could also win MVP.

You could also be named to an all nba team twice.

Those are the ONLY conditions in which you could be eligible for a 30% max contract coming off your rookie deal.

Edit: just saw post above, thanks for the info! I didn't know that.

[Tenchi Ryu]

Thats what I've read. Heres a clip from an article on the Wolves extending Kevin Love. Check out the 2nd paragraph.
Aaah, I see. Apparently though, many people including ESPN reporters must not know this yet since they claim Westbrook was also eligible.

[FireDavidKahn]

Thats what I've read. Heres a clip from an article on the Wolves extending Kevin Love. Check out the 2nd paragraph.
Ok then I have a question on this. It says a team can only have one designated player have a 5 year extension off their rookie contract on the roster, but both Westbrook and Durant got 5 year extensions?:confusedshrug:

[GOBB]

I didn't know it was one player either because all the reports I read was that Westbrook was eligible if he met one of the criteria by seasons end. but OKC had until sometime next week (deadline for extensions?) to sign him for less than what he would be eligible for. Pretty cool Westbrook sticking around. They should be able to keep harden/ibaka now. But I'm sure they'll be in the luxury tax. Hope they can afford that.

[Pushxx]

This basically guarantees that OKC will be a contender for at least another 3 years. They have everyone signed and ready to go.

They're in a great position.

[Eric Cartman]

Heat & Thunder = Other NBA teams watch & learn.

[Cowboy Thunder]

WwwoooooooooooHHhhhooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


K.D. and Russell Westbrook until 2017 :bowdown:

Guess they like OKC after all. Didn't the Lakers think their boy was going to come home? :banana:

[Qwyjibo]

Damn.

Was hoping he'd at least reach restricted free agency so the Raptors could throw a max deal at him. OKC would likely match any offer sheet anyways but still, maybe a tiny chance to get him.

[The Macho Man]

Happy to see my 2nd favorite player get paid:applause:

[Pointguard]

Westbrook is a great player but here's an honest reservation/observation I have. I wouldn't have him as my franchise player. Something about the way he plays makes me think that he doesn't always stop for red lights. :lol

[Cowboy Thunder]

Just heard his interview on the OKC Sports Animal.


Westbrook said:

---Loves OKC. :bowdown:

---Loves his teammates. Him and KD are great friends, and the supposed argument they had in the huddle the other day was discussing where Perkins was suppose to be on the play

---Perkins is the best big defender in the NBA

---Kevin Love is a the real deal and about to be healthily compensated

---Said OKC is his first team, and he and the rest of his teammates want to keep this team together to get a title

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0418/nba_g_rwestbrook_576x553.jpg

[dunksby]

Just heard his interview on the OKC Sports Animal.


Westbrook said:

---Loves OKC. :bowdown:

---Loves his teammates. Him and KD are great friends, and the supposed argument they had in the huddle the other day was discussing where Perkins was suppose to be on the play

---Perkins is the best big defender in the NBA

---Kevin Love is a the real deal and about to be healthily compensated

---Said OKC is his first team, and he and the rest of his teammates want to keep this team together to get a title

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0418/nba_g_rwestbrook_576x553.jpg
http://smiliesftw.com/x/big_bowdown.gif

[DRose1899]

discuss.

Can they still hold Harden and Ibaka with this? :confusedshrug:

[Cowboy Thunder]

Great decision.

[mattvNJ]

Great decision.
this. i hope they can retain harden.

[Dwyane Rose]

Thunder will have 2 top 10 players for a long time. That's all that matters really.

[Owl]

Great decision. When you get the chance to sign/extend/acquire a geniune superstar (i.e. one of the top 10 players in the league) you do it.

What was their other option in any case, watch him walk for nothing. Hmmmm tempting.

However the decision to give Perkins the big contract is looking a little dubious insofar as it may prevent them resigning Ibaka/Harden.

Actually I didn't like Presti's other move around that time giving up DJ White (and Mo Pete's contract) for Nazr Mohammed. White isn't great but he's a plenty capable backup and could have given them an efficient second unit scorer which they'll need all the more when Harden moves into the starting 5.

[OKCThunderUP]

discuss.

Can they still hold Harden and Ibaka with this? :confusedshrug:

Absolutely great decision. They signed a guy who is 23 and already a top 15 player. And as a bonus, Westbrook did not take the 25-30% extra that was on the table for him so that the team would have an easier time signing Harden and Ibaka to extensions in the next couple of years. Westbrook took less money to keep the core of the team together. He left $10 million on the table.

[Jasper]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248549 this thread is 8 hours older than yours OP :D

There's about 26 teams that lov to hav westbrook...

Last night Durant shot 10 3 point attempts and made 2.

Westbrook to 3 attempts and most if not all of his points were 15 feet or less. That also included double digit dimes ...
His 2012 average doesn't show up in the stat line the creation of space he opens up for his fellow teammates.

[OKCThunderUP]

To clear up confusion on the Derrick Rose rule regarding KD and Westbrook:
It's designed to be used on one player (a "franchise player") but since KD signed his new contract under the previous CBA and Westbrook his under the new CBA, both players are eligible for the bonus money. Westbrook, however, left that money on the table so the team could re-sign Ibaka and Harden down the road so it's a moot point for now.

[Zenji]

Great decision.

Absolutely.

[Swaggin916]

wen ur a small market u keep young talent period. atlanta was retarded for signing joe johnson to a max deal... but wouldnt have been if he was 24 instead of 29. they have to be a great impact pkayer to warrant a max deal or close to it at that age.

[upside24]

Westbrook and Durant are the second best duo in the NBA behind LeBron and (healthy) Wade imo. Great decision.

[Rowe]

To clear up confusion on the Derrick Rose rule regarding KD and Westbrook:
It's designed to be used on one player (a "franchise player") but since KD signed his new contract under the previous CBA and Westbrook his under the new CBA, both players are eligible for the bonus money. Westbrook, however, left that money on the table so the team could re-sign Ibaka and Harden down the road so it's a moot point for now.
Wrong.

Westbrook left $10 Million on the table over 5 years.

That means he saved OKC $2 Million each season.

That extra $2 Million has no effect on keeping Harden or Ibaka who stand to make more money elsewhere than in OKC.

Is Harden worth $60+ Million to OKC? We'll find out next summer because I can guarantee his next contract is going to be worth nearly as much as Westbrook's in hopes that he can become a Franchise player elsewhere.

[OKCThunderUP]

Is Harden worth $60+ Million to OKC? We'll find out next summer because I can guarantee his next contract is going to be worth nearly as much as Westbrook's in hopes that he can become a Franchise player elsewhere.

No one is going to pay Harden $60+ million, and they won't get the opportunity to anyway. OKC will re-sign him before the deadline for him to become a RFA even if that means letting Ibaka go. He's far more important to the team's success.

[Rowe]

No one is going to pay Harden $60+ million, and they won't get the opportunity to anyway. OKC will re-sign him before the deadline for him to become a RFA even if that means letting Ibaka go. He's far more important to the team's success.
Wrong.

This is the NBA, Where Amazing Happens.

James Harden has Joe Johnson-like potential as far as becoming a premier Free Agent despite not producing at an All Star status. The idea would be that he would eventually produce at an All Star status in a lead role on a team.

Lets see what OKC pays him if they do re-sign him. Thats more of a pressing issue than whether or not they wanted to give Westbrook the "Max" considering he was going to get that same deal from OKC or any other team as a RFA.

Harden & Ibaka will be far more interesting when their deals are up because OKC for example may feel Harden is worth $8 Million to OKC & Ibaka is worth $7 Million, while other teams may feel Harden is worth $12 Million and Ibaka worth $10 Million.

IMO, the only way OKC keeps their core together is by amnestying Perkins and keeping cheap role players/rookies around their "Big 4".

[Cowboy Thunder]

No one is going to pay Harden $60+ million, and they won't get the opportunity to anyway. OKC will re-sign him before the deadline for him to become a RFA even if that means letting Ibaka go. He's far more important to the team's success.


Have to agree.

I think 2 years ago and last year, we all kept dreaming of how good Ibaka could get. I think this year has shown, he still has quite a ways to go.

Harden on the other hand is noticeably getting better every year.

[Fiasco]

I would pay Harden $60 million easily. So would Boston.

[Rowe]

I would pay Harden $60 million easily. So would Boston.
So would Phoenix, Brooklyn, Charlotte, & Cleveland too.

If Kevin Martin gets $55 Million, & Monta Ellis gets $66 Million then I'm pretty sure that James Harden is getting just as much.

[Fiasco]

So would Phoenix, Brooklyn, Charlotte, & Cleveland too.

If Kevin Martin gets $55 Million, & Monta Ellis gets $66 Million then I'm pretty sure that James Harden is getting just as much.

Kemba-Harden........ gg East..

[DRose1899]

Kemba-Harden........ gg East..
Kyrie-Harden :bowdown:

[Rowe]

Kyrie-Harden :bowdown:

:eek:

[Fiasco]

Kyrie-Harden :bowdown:

:bowdown:

[OKCThunderUP]

So would Phoenix, Brooklyn, Charlotte, & Cleveland too.

If Kevin Martin gets $55 Million, & Monta Ellis gets $66 Million then I'm pretty sure that James Harden is getting just as much.

Both of those players start. Harden will probably get paid similar to Ginobili.

[The_Yearning]

Both of those players start. Harden will probably get paid similar to Ginobili.

:roll: Gino is Euro, he's not a greedy black guy.

[OKCThunderUP]

:roll: Gino is Euro, he's not a greedy black guy.

Cool racism, bro.

[Rowe]

Both of those players start. Harden will probably get paid similar to Ginobili.
Ginobili got paid at 32 by the Spurs.

Harden will be 23.

Are you really going to play stupid right now that his value is going to be high when he becomes a Free Agent? :oldlol:

[OKCThunderUP]

I'm not playing stupid. Teams can't overpay for him if he's signed to an extension before becoming a RFA. And, like Westbrook, I think he'd rather chase titles and win games than take a huge contract to play for a lottery team.

[BankShot]

I'm not playing stupid. Teams can't overpay for him if he's signed to an extension before becoming a RFA. And, like Westbrook, I think he'd rather chase titles and win games than take a huge contract to play for a lottery team.

Westbrook signed for the max.....

[OKCThunderUP]

Westbrook signed for the max.....

But he could have waited a little longer and been eligible for the Derrick Rose rule bonus and decided against it.

[BankShot]

But he could have waited a little longer and been eligible for the Derrick Rose rule bonus and decided against it.

Yes he could have been eligible for said rule, but only if he resigns with OKC... if he was a free agent, other teams couldn't offer as much as OKC could.

As per the new CBA, a free agent can make the most by resigning with his current team.

He couldn't have made MORE money by playing for a lottery team.

[Rowe]

But he could have waited a little longer and been eligible for the Derrick Rose rule bonus and decided against it.
True.

However, hes a young All Star PG and his contract isn't a matter of perception for his value. You pay him $16 Million or $18 Million. What's the difference? OKC was going to match it regardless.

Harden's contract will be a matter of perception as to what OKC values him at and what other teams value him at.

[KDthunderup]

Only lottery teams would overpay Harden, Harden gets to play with a championship contender and his best teammates with Durant.

[Lakers Legend#32]

Poor, fat, ugly, Clay Bennett. Durant and Russell don't play well together and now he's gotta pay him $80+ do do so. That is until he's forced to trade him. By then OKC will be the Wizards.

[OKCThunderUP]

True.

However, hes a young All Star PG and his contract isn't a matter of perception for his value. You pay him $16 Million or $18 Million. What's the difference? OKC was going to match it regardless.

Harden's contract will be a matter of perception as to what OKC values him at and what other teams value him at.

If OKC signs him before he becomes a RFA then other teams will never get the opportunity to say what they value him at, and if that's the case it's a moot point. I could be wrong but I believe that's what will happen.

[BankShot]

If OKC signs him before he becomes a RFA then other teams will never get the opportunity to say what they value him at, and if that's the case it's a moot point. I could be wrong but I believe that's what will happen.

My guess is they don't cheap out on Harden and offer him a reasonably fair, yet slightly below market value.

Maybe 5-years, $50 million.

[Rowe]

If OKC signs him before he becomes a RFA then other teams will never get the opportunity to say what they value him at, and if that's the case it's a moot point. I could be wrong but I believe that's what will happen.

Well it all depends on what his agent sees the market at for him.

If he can get more money as a Free Agent either from OKC or another team then its worth it testing. If not, resigning early on is the best move.

[Cowboy Thunder]

Poor, fat, ugly, Clay Bennett. Durant and Russell don't play well together and now he's gotta pay him $80+ do do so. That is until he's forced to trade him. By then OKC will be the Wizards.

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/6496/33ti32a.gif

[Whoah10115]

This does not mean that OKC chose to stick with him. He's now locked up and his value is thru the roof.



This is not to say he's trade bait or that OKC would be looking at other players, but it's kinda dumb for people to think this is some sort of evidence that OKC is sticking with him.

[Cowboy Thunder]

This does not mean that OKC chose to stick with him. He's now locked up and his value is thru the roof.



This is not to say he's trade bait or that OKC would be looking at other players, but it's kinda dumb for people to think this is some sort of evidence that OKC is sticking with him.

Pretty sure Sam Presti and Russell Westbrook both sounded very pleased with this transaction. But what do they know.. :confusedshrug:

[Owl]

To clear up confusion on the Derrick Rose rule regarding KD and Westbrook:
It's designed to be used on one player (a "franchise player") but since KD signed his new contract under the previous CBA and Westbrook his under the new CBA, both players are eligible for the bonus money. Westbrook, however, left that money on the table so the team could re-sign Ibaka and Harden down the road so it's a moot point for now.
Good info. Can you direct me to a source for this as I'm struggling to find anything about 30% being 1 player per team.
Larry Coon really needs to update his FAQ.

[Whoah10115]

Pretty sure Sam Presti and Russell Westbrook both sounded very pleased with this transaction. But what do they know.. :confusedshrug:



Yea, cuz I said anything definitive...and yea, cuz no one can change their minds.

[dunksby]

This does not mean that OKC chose to stick with him. He's now locked up and his value is thru the roof.



This is not to say he's trade bait or that OKC would be looking at other players, but it's kinda dumb for people to think this is some sort of evidence that OKC is sticking with him.
Yea why would OKC FO want an elite PG who has been drafted by the team and is best friends with their franchise player and did I mention he is more athletic and aggressive than Rose? Which makes him a better fit for the Thunder considering Durant has a gunner mentality.

[GOBB]

So did anyone explain how the Thunder could keep Harden and Ibaka? Or is Harden most likely a sign and trade goner when the time nears?

[dunksby]

So did anyone explain how the Thunder could keep Harden and Ibaka? Or is Harden most likely a sign and trade goner when the time nears?
They can because those players want to stay.

[VishaltotheG]

Wussel Restbrook

[Whoah10115]

Yea why would OKC FO want an elite PG who has been drafted by the team and is best friends with their franchise player and did I mention he is more athletic and aggressive than Rose? Which makes him a better fit for the Thunder considering Durant has a gunner mentality.



Again, when did I say otherwise? I doubt he's untouchable. Locking him up is worth it. And if they decide, this season or next season, he isn't the best fit, then he has trade value. Why is that so much to either comprehend or consider? Because it's the truth. He isn't untouchable.

[dunksby]

Again, when did I say otherwise? I doubt he's untouchable. Locking him up is worth it. And if they decide, this season or next season, he isn't the best fit, then he has trade value. Why is that so much to either comprehend or consider? Because it's the truth. He isn't untouchable.
Currently he is untouchable, you are talking too technical that way only Kobe would be untouchable in NBA.

[GOBB]

They can because those players want to stay.

Doesnt matter that they want to stay. Its the cost of them staying that is the question. I guess no one knows. :confusedshrug:

[crawdaddy4ou]

Sam Presti is 10 times more intelligent than anyone on this board. We should just leave it at that.

[bluechox2]

they signed him so that they can get more value in return when they trade him