appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

liveArticle

appConfig

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sectionsV2

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

json

Associated Press

Russell Westbrook is staying with the Thunder. The superstar point guard and reigning NBA MVP has signed a contract extension to remain in Oklahoma City, the team announced. ESPN first reported the agreement and said it would be for five years and worth US$205 million.
If the figure is accurate, Westbrook would overtake Steph Curry (US$201m) as the highest-paid player in the league.
Westbrook made an Instagram post, a photo of him yelling at Chesapeake Energy Arena with his arms raised in the air.
Westbrook said this week that Oklahoma City is where he wanted to be. He said he was thrilled with the off season additions of four-time All-Star Paul George and 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Both have player options on their deals after this season.
“I love being here,” he said. “I’m excited about the season. Obviously, with a lot of new changes, and I’m excited.”

Thunder owner Clay Bennett values Westbrook’s importance to Oklahoma City on and off the court.
“We recognise and deeply appreciate Russell’s rare and unique abilities as he leads the Oklahoma City Thunder, but also understand his presence and impact on our community will be felt for decades to come,” Bennett said. “On behalf of the entire Thunder organisation, our ownership group and all of Oklahoma, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Russell, and I know that the very best days for the Thunder are yet to come.”
Westbrook averaged a triple-double last season and was the league scoring champion. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists and broke Oscar Robertson’s single-season record for triple-doubles with 42.
His success increased anxiety for Thunder fans who feared he might leave, as Kevin Durant did during the summer of 2016 when he chose to join the Golden State Warriors. Westbrook signed the extension on Durant’s 29th birthday.

Westbrook said he hadn’t signed because of other obligations.
“I’ve been at home,” he said. “I’ve been travelling. Just trying to get my family together, honestly. You know, having a new son can be a little difficult, you know what I mean? I’ve been trying to help my wife, help my family and enjoying and embracing that moment as much as I can because I know during the season, I’m going to be travelling and moving around.”
Center Enes Kanter, who Oklahoma City sent to New York in the deal that brought Anthony to the Thunder, said he thought Westbrook would agree to the extension.
“I mean, that’s his legacy,” Kanter said. “That’s his team, and he’s not going to leave his legacy behind.”
Thunder general manager Sam Presti made his second major deal in a week after adding Anthony. This piece laid the groundwork for the future.
“Russell’s commitment to the Thunder organisation since its inception in 2008 has helped propel us to great heights and stare down great challenges over our first decade,” Presti said. “We are extremely fortunate to have an athlete, competitor and person such as Russell wear the Thunder uniform.”
Now, Westbrook can focus on making this season special.
“We’ve got to figure out the best way for everybody to play and for our team to play,” he said Monday. “That part is easy in my opinion. Just being able to go out, and you have one goal, and that is win a championship. Guys will do what needs to be done to win a championship.”


Hong Kong school invited to compete in NBA Rising Stars Invitational for first time

Meet Olivier Rioux, the tallest basketball player in the world – who’s an NBA prospect

Meet Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest daughter Me’Arah, who just beat her father’s SEC record

NBA Europe attracts US$1 billion bids, with more than 120 investors showing keen interest

NBA (National Basketball Association)

Russell Westbrook signs bumper US$205m deal to stay at Thunder – and become highest-paid player in NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook lets out a roar during an NBA basketball media day. Photo: AP

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a photo during media day at Chesapeake Energy Arena on September 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Cooper Neill/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Oklahoma City Thunder's Paul George (13), Russell Westbrook (0) and Carmelo Anthony (7) pose for photos during an NBA basketball media day in Oklahoma City, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Sport

Other Sport