The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Paul George. Then they signed Patrick Patterson. Then they wrapped up Andre Roberson on a very reasonable three-year, $30 million deal. And then they pulled off another heist for Carmelo Anthony.
Sounds like enough to get Russell Westbrook sign an extension? Or at least say he plans on signing an extension before the season starts?
Not so much.
Here was his answer when asked about the situation, per USA Today‘s Sam Amick:
Russell Westbrook doesn't answer question about whether he'll sin five-year, $207 million extension before Oct. 16 deadline pic.twitter.com/kDrQZ5DytI
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 25, 2017
Oklahoma City will give Westbrook the extension if he wants it. That much is universal knowledge. But the closer we come to the Oct. 16 deadline, the more likely it seems he’s trying to keep his options open. And that makes sense.
No one would chide him for signing on the dotted line now—not after the Thunder showed their willingness to spend and be aggressive on the trade market. But their two prized acquisitions, Anthony (early termination option) and George (player option), can both become free agents after next season, just like Westbrook (player option). If things go sideways this year, their first together, Westbrook might want to test the open waters, or at least see how the Thunder plan to supplant one or both of Anthony and George.
The Thunder aren’t taking this deal away. Even if Westbrook suffers a major injury—knock on wood—the offer isn’t going anywhere. They will ride with him if he’ll have them. But the fluidity now attached to their situation might counteract their display of aggression by convincing him to let this schedule unfold and figure out where everything stands. Who knows, maybe he, Anthony and George all opt in for some reason, or sign one-plus-ones, to give the thing another go before making a decision. Hell, Westbrook might just be trying to help the Thunder work the cap-hold game by delaying his deal until next summer. We really can’t be sure.
He does, however, say he wants to remain in Oklahoma City. That’s big.
Even bigger: The Thunder, as of now, aren’t giving him a reason leave.
