NBA: WHY NOT?

Russell Westbrook has extended his long-term contract with Oklahoma City.Thunder’s franchise player sets a clear signal for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.A small side blow for ex-player Kevin Durant is also included.

So now you do.After months of waiting, Russell Westbrook has renewed his contract in Oklahoma City.The face of the Thunder once again took a lot of time to proclaim, but the Thunder’s leaders would not have cared about that.

Ever since the departure of Durant, the MVP in office has been the identification figure of this small market in the sleepy state of Oklahoma.Westbrook has been with us since the move from Seattle, and was elected fourth in 2008.A decision that not everyone could understand at the time.

Now he is rooted in the community like no other star.His extension last year saved the Thunder.While Durant broke off his tents, Brodie confessed to OKC, the franchise remained respectable and a topic of conversation, not least due to the memorable triple-double-MVP season.

That the extension is now on 29.Announced on the occasion of Durant’s 50th birthday is certainly no coincidence.The name of the final MVP is still wafting around the Chesapeake Arena.Lastly, it was Durant himself who opened up old wounds with his accidental twitter-tea.

Nevertheless, OKC has a certain amount of confidence in the future.The trades for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony came as a surprise and let the Thunder dance again in the concert of the greats – at least for one season.

With the mega-extension of Westbrook, the first step has been taken.The Point Guard contract runs until at least 2022 and has an option for another year.This can also cost OKC quite a bit.Thanks to the Designated Veteran Extension, the number zero with the coming season will collect $233 million.In the last year of the contract – Westbrook is then 34 years old – the figure is as high as 46.662 million.

That may sound a lot, but what other choice did OKC have?Westbrook is the flagship and a magnet for other stars – see PG-13 and Melo, who even dropped his no-trade clause for the Thunder.

It was probably not the attractiveness of the city that Anthony took this step.No, it was about winning and that seems to be possible in year two after Durant.”Look, Russ isn’t going anywhere!”

But the situation looks a little different for the other two stars.Both Anthony and George can become Free Agents in the summer of 2018, both have a player option for another year.With Carmelo, it can be assumed that he pulls these.No one will probably pay him just under $28 million.

The situation is different with George.Although he has repeatedly affirmed that winning is his highest priority, his affection for the Los Angeles Lakers is no secret.Nevertheless, Oklahoma City has every reason to hope that the ex-Pacer will stay.The friendship with Westbrook is a great asset for the franchise.

However, to keep this trio, owner Clay Bennett has to dig deep into his pocket.The Thunder were notorious for avoiding the luxury tax for years – see James Harden or Serge Ibaka’s trades.In the meantime, however, a rethink has taken place.

The Thunder will have to pay some 27.8 million dollars in luxury tax as early as next season.If PG and Melo were to pull their options, 147 million dollars of salaries will be in the books by 2018/19.For a small franchise like the Thunder, this would be a financial feat of strength.

However, this is not an alternative if the Thunders want to be a contender and thus remain relevant.Our best days are yet to come,”Bennett rejoiced after the announcement of the extension and General Manager Sam Presti also agreed:” I am very grateful that Russell shows his support and continues our vision with the Thunder.

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The first step has been taken, and now we will see how the new Big Three will work together:”I love being here and looking forward to the new season and our new team,”said Westbrook.

Mr.Triple-Double will once again be in attack mode, chasing the overpowering opponent from Oakland over the next few years, and Westbrook continues to feel at home in this role.Why wouldn’t I be?Or to put it in his own words,”WHY NOT?”