Russell Westbrook Signs New Contract: Takeaways from Thunder Press Conference

The Oklahoma City Thunder and their fans received some much-needed good news Thursday when All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook agreed to a contract extension, the team officially announced. 

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne first reported Westbrook’s new pact, adding it’s a renegotiated deal for this season. The agreement reportedly includes one guaranteed year for 2017-18, a player option the following season and is worth a total of $85.7 million. 

On Thursday, Westbrook and Thunder general manager Sam Presti held a press conference to discuss the 27-year-old’s decision and what it means for him and the franchise’s future. 

ESPN’s Royce Young provided video from the scene outside Chesapeake Energy Arena. Thunder fans were present to warmly greet Westbrook when he arrived:

Russell Westbrook arrives: pic.twitter.com/RazUEpfL9i

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 4, 2016

Presti opened the press conference with kind words about Westbrook and his importance to Oklahoma City, per Erik Horne of the Oklahoman: [Westbrook] has become synonymous with not just the Thunder but the city and the spirit of the city.”

Westbrook echoed Presti’s …

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