Thunder and Westbrook in contract extension talks~

[Endless Paradise]

Which is what I expected all along when it was announced that OKC was going to try to extend him. Extend for another year, guarantees that he can sign for 35%, also gives less reason for Presti to actively shop him, while giving Westbrook a chance to have a team built around him (should OKC do well enough this year).

[jpotter33]

I still don't buy that this actually happens, UNLESS it's for a trade somewhere.

It doesn't make much sense financially for him, and Russ is a competitive guy. I can't see him just fighting to make the playoffs the next two years (without being a serious contender) of his prime when he could be a free agent this summer and handpick a competitive team.

Doesn't this allow him to get that 10 year max deal in 2018 or whenever? That's probably what he's aiming for.

Also, he gets more from an OKC extension now than a 4 year max offer from any other team next summer.

Edit: dang, Endless Paradise barely beat me. TP to EP

I guess if he's not looking for long-term financial security right now, then he can make more money that way, though it's unclear what his priorities are with that right now.

However, I still don't think this makes sense or ultimately happens unless it's for a trade, because he's not going to waste the next two years of his prime just fighting to make the playoffs with no chance at competing. He's a competitive guy, and he's made more than enough money in his endorsements for that to be his sole aim. I also think he'd keep his options open no matter what if he was debating staying there, similar to Lebron in Cleveland, which would also help OKC build the team around him.

[jpotter33]

So much for "he's an LA guy, he's bouncing out of there first chance he gets."

he's got time yet

Yeah, in 2018. He could've bolted by next summer.

Also, interesting Celtics note. The extension was first reported by Kevin Nesgoda, a writer at OKC's SBNation site. He's also the same guy who reported last month that there was a trade in place for Westbrook to go to Boston:

To clear up my trade to Boston tweet. Deal was in place to trade him, Presti slept on it, pulled the deal & offered Westbrook a blank check

So are people going to doubt this rumor like the other ones then?

Not sure what you mean but I am absolutely still doubting the tweet you linked.

it doesnt make any sense.

a) that Russ didnt have the blank check from the beginning and b) that we were gonna be able to get him for 2 picks and an expiring.

Also he claims the deal is done. I doubt that.

That's what I'm saying. It's pretty inconsistent to believe one set of rumors from the guy while not believing another set of rumors.

[manl_lui]

interesting, looks like he's trying to be the hero and the good guy of the NBA. Respectable in my honest opinion, but we'll see what happens. OKC has a reason to be happy for now. Let's see how they play next season with KD now. 2 seasons ago when KD went out with an injury, Westbrook nearly single handily bought them to the playoffs.

[Endless Paradise]

I still don't buy that this actually happens, UNLESS it's for a trade somewhere.

It doesn't make much sense financially for him, and Russ is a competitive guy. I can't see him just fighting to make the playoffs the next two years (without being a serious contender) of his prime when he could be a free agent this summer and handpick a competitive team.

Doesn't this allow him to get that 10 year max deal in 2018 or whenever? That's probably what he's aiming for.

Also, he gets more from an OKC extension now than a 4 year max offer from any other team next summer.

Edit: dang, Endless Paradise barely beat me. TP to EP

I guess if he's not looking for long-term financial security right now, then he can make more money that way, though it's unclear what his priorities are with that right now.

However, I still don't think this makes sense or ultimately happens unless it's for a trade, because he's not going to waste the next two years of his prime just fighting to make the playoffs with no chance at competing. He's a competitive guy, and he's made more than enough money in his endorsements for that to be his sole aim. I also think he'd keep his options open no matter what if he was debating staying there, similar to Lebron in Cleveland.

"Waste the next two years of his prime" implies that OKC just isn't going to do anything to improve the team. Getting a commitment for just one more year from Westbrook gives Presti immensely more clarity and allows him to proceed accordingly in constructing his team around the new centerpiece.

And how would he not be keeping his options open? He'd be extending his contract by just one more guaranteed year. He'd be 29 as a free agent as opposed to 28. He'd still be in prime position to be lured by competitive teams with max contract offers.

[Ilikesports17]

So much for "he's an LA guy, he's bouncing out of there first chance he gets."

he's got time yet

Yeah, in 2018. He could've bolted by next summer.

Also, interesting Celtics note. The extension was first reported by Kevin Nesgoda, a writer at OKC's SBNation site. He's also the same guy who reported last month that there was a trade in place for Westbrook to go to Boston:

To clear up my trade to Boston tweet. Deal was in place to trade him, Presti slept on it, pulled the deal & offered Westbrook a blank check

So are people going to doubt this rumor like the other ones then?

Not sure what you mean but I am absolutely still doubting the tweet you linked.

it doesnt make any sense.

a) that Russ didnt have the blank check from the beginning and b) that we were gonna be able to get him for 2 picks and an expiring.

Also he claims the deal is done. I doubt that.

That's what I'm saying. It's pretty inconsistent to believe one set of rumors from the guy while not believing another set of rumors.

Ill believe the ones that make sense and are confirmed by other reputable guys and I wont believe the ones that no one reputable backs up and dont make sense.

[jpotter33]

I still don't buy that this actually happens, UNLESS it's for a trade somewhere.

It doesn't make much sense financially for him, and Russ is a competitive guy. I can't see him just fighting to make the playoffs the next two years (without being a serious contender) of his prime when he could be a free agent this summer and handpick a competitive team.

Doesn't this allow him to get that 10 year max deal in 2018 or whenever? That's probably what he's aiming for.

Also, he gets more from an OKC extension now than a 4 year max offer from any other team next summer.

Edit: dang, Endless Paradise barely beat me. TP to EP

I guess if he's not looking for long-term financial security right now, then he can make more money that way, though it's unclear what his priorities are with that right now.

However, I still don't think this makes sense or ultimately happens unless it's for a trade, because he's not going to waste the next two years of his prime just fighting to make the playoffs with no chance at competing. He's a competitive guy, and he's made more than enough money in his endorsements for that to be his sole aim. I also think he'd keep his options open no matter what if he was debating staying there, similar to Lebron in Cleveland.

"Waste the next two years of his prime" implies that OKC just isn't going to do anything to improve the team. Getting a commitment for just one more year from Westbrook gives Presti immensely more clarity and allows him to proceed accordingly in constructing his team around the new centerpiece.

And how would he not be keeping his options open? He'd be extending his contract by just one more guaranteed year. He'd be 29 as a free agent as opposed to 28. He'd still be in prime position to be lured by competitive teams with max contract offers.

How are they going to realistically turn that team into a contender this year? There's no legitimate way to do such a thing, and nobody is going to go to OKC next year, including Blake Griffin, which has already been pretty much reputed.

Further, RW relies on his athleticism more than any other player his caliber in the NBA, so he's going to need as much of his prime as possible. I just don't see him wasting it in OKC where they're legitimately no better than first round fodder in a loaded Western Conference.

I just only see an extension if it's for a trade. He still could make comparable money by doing a 1 + 1 this coming summer if he decides to stay in OKC long-term. And with as much money as he has in endorsements, I don't think he'll lose his flexibility for a marginal increase in pay for a year or so.

[Endless Paradise]

They're already very likely a playoff team if 2015 is any indication (in a Western Conference that was stronger than last year) and Russell Westbrook is a top 5 player at the very worst. This idea that it's impossible to make moves to improve how competitive they can be next year is silly.

They can do what they've done in the past and make trades. They have a ton of intriguing young players. They have draft picks if they're willing to risk them. We're not talking about turning the Nets into a title contender.

And if other small markets like Milwaukee and Memphis have been able to experience free agency success in recent years, I'm calling foul on the idea that OKC can't do the same so long as they're successful/promising enough. Al Horford was contemplating going to OKC, but ultimately didn't just because he didn't get a commitment on KD and/or Westbrook staying there long-term.

And he's not losing his flexibility; it's misleading to state it as such an absolute. He's not going to sign a maximum extension; he'd merely be guaranteeing that his contract runs for another year. In exchange, he gets another $8 million next year, becomes a 10-year vet the year after, and gives the team more stability, allowing them to build around him -- all while he's still in his prime. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff to me.

[Tr1boy]

They're already very likely a playoff team if 2015 is any indication (in a Western Conference that was stronger than last year) and Russell Westbrook is a top 5 player at the very worst. This idea that it's impossible to make moves to improve how competitive they can be next year is silly.

They can do what they've done in the past and make trades. They have a ton of intriguing young players. They have draft picks if they're willing to risk them. We're not talking about turning the Nets into a title contender.

And if other small markets like Milwaukee and Memphis have been able to experience free agency success in recent years, I'm calling foul on the idea that OKC can't do the same so long as they're successful/promising enough. Al Horford was contemplating going to OKC, but ultimately didn't just because he didn't get a commitment on KD and/or Westbrook staying there long-term.

And he's not losing his flexibility; it's misleading to state it as such an absolute. He's not going to sign a maximum extension; he'd merely be guaranteeing that his contract runs for another year. In exchange, he gets another $8 million next year, becomes a 10-year vet the year after, and gives the team more stability, allowing them to build around him -- all while he's still in his prime. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff to me.

Okc is not a playoff team without durant and ibaka. Celtics had them for dinner without Durant last season. 

RW is wild and if you expect him to carry your team without another weapon. You are in trouble.

[Endless Paradise]

OKC is not a playoff team this year because they no longer have Ibaka and the Celtics beat them one time last year without KD. Sure, I buy that.

[tankcity!]

This is bad for the Celtics. Running out of people to trade for. Looks like they will need to build through the draft. They need Jaylen Brown to be good more than ever now.

[jpotter33]

They're already very likely a playoff team if 2015 is any indication (in a Western Conference that was stronger than last year) and Russell Westbrook is a top 5 player at the very worst. This idea that it's impossible to make moves to improve how competitive they can be next year is silly.

They can do what they've done in the past and make trades. They have a ton of intriguing young players. They have draft picks if they're willing to risk them. We're not talking about turning the Nets into a title contender.

And if other small markets like Milwaukee and Memphis have been able to experience free agency success in recent years, I'm calling foul on the idea that OKC can't do the same so long as they're successful/promising enough. Al Horford was contemplating going to OKC, but ultimately didn't just because he didn't get a commitment on KD and/or Westbrook staying there long-term.

And he's not losing his flexibility; it's misleading to state it as such an absolute. He's not going to sign a maximum extension; he'd merely be guaranteeing that his contract runs for another year. In exchange, he gets another $8 million next year, becomes a 10-year vet the year after, and gives the team more stability, allowing them to build around him -- all while he's still in his prime. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff to me.

Clearly Better - Golden State, San Antonio, Los Angeles

Most Likely Better - Portland, Houston, Utah, Dallas, Memphis

Fighting For # 8 - OKC, Minnesota, New Orleans, Phoenix, Sacramento

I think they're a fringe playoff team that will be fighting for the last spot in the playoffs all season long, so I think it's a little too bold to say they're very likely a playoff team, especially with as much change as they're going to have to deal with this season.

PG - Westbrook, Payne
SG - Oladipo, Morrow, Abrines
SF - Roberson, Singler
PF - Ilyasova, Sabonis, McGary
C - Adams, Kanter, Collison

Yes, Westbrook is an MVP-type talent in that group, but that's not exactly a playoff-caliber roster. Further, there's clear spacing and fit issues all around the roster. And I'm not sure what assets that you're talking about they can improve with - Sabonis, Oladipo, Adams? Those three are essential parts of their future, so they can't really trade them. Thus, Payne, Kanter, and McGary are the only real assets that they have, which isn't exactly going to turn them into a contender.

And he's absolutely losing flexibility. He'd be gaining $8M to be forced to stay there another year, which isn't really justification for that if he's wanting to actually compete, an assumption that is pretty sound and consistent with Westbrook's attitude and character.

I think it's clear that the Thunder's best route forward is full-blown rebuild by selling Westbrook for as much as he's worth. They're not putting a contender around him any time soon, and he won't stay long enough anyways. They should convince him to make this extension and make Ainge or Buss sell the farm for him, which they absolutely should do. With the extension, Westbrook could easily command at least two of the following - the Brooklyn picks/Smart/Brown or Russell/Randle/Ingram.

[Ilikesports17]

They're already very likely a playoff team if 2015 is any indication (in a Western Conference that was stronger than last year) and Russell Westbrook is a top 5 player at the very worst. This idea that it's impossible to make moves to improve how competitive they can be next year is silly.

They can do what they've done in the past and make trades. They have a ton of intriguing young players. They have draft picks if they're willing to risk them. We're not talking about turning the Nets into a title contender.

And if other small markets like Milwaukee and Memphis have been able to experience free agency success in recent years, I'm calling foul on the idea that OKC can't do the same so long as they're successful/promising enough. Al Horford was contemplating going to OKC, but ultimately didn't just because he didn't get a commitment on KD and/or Westbrook staying there long-term.

And he's not losing his flexibility; it's misleading to state it as such an absolute. He's not going to sign a maximum extension; he'd merely be guaranteeing that his contract runs for another year. In exchange, he gets another $8 million next year, becomes a 10-year vet the year after, and gives the team more stability, allowing them to build around him -- all while he's still in his prime. Sounds like a worthwhile tradeoff to me.

I do not believe they are likely to make the playoffs next year.
Golden State, San Antonio, LA, Portland all seem to be clearly better than them and Im also taking Memphis and Utah over them all day.

I expect it to be between OKC, Dallas and Houston for the 7 and 8 seeds and Im taking Dallas and Houston.

As for Westbrook, Id say he is no surefire top 5 player.

[BudweiserCeltic]

It's quite simple really. He stands to make more money now if he can renegotiate his contract, than he would make waiting for next year's free-agency.

It's the same strategy the Celtics were trying to use if we got him here (if we were indeed interested in him).

OKC has cap space to burn, so if Westbrook wants to optimize his money making ability, he'll renegotiate now.

[Endless Paradise]

I disagree with all of that "Most Likely Better" list save for pretty much Memphis. I just don't agree at all, especially in regards to Houston (which is compounding pre-existing defensive issues by making D'Antoni the head coach and adding guys like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon) and Dallas (which is relying on a MASH unit... again). Utah last year didn't even have a better record than OKC did the year before, despite the Thunder suffering considerably more injuries. Utah has to prove it to me. I think OKC and Portland are a push; what OKC lacks in shooting, Portland lacks in quality bigs and perimeter defense.

The young guys were essential parts of the future when KD was still expected to remain in OKC. With him gone, the gameplan has changed entirely -- they're no longer building around a player with KD's strengths and weaknesses. A guy like Roberson, for example, probably becomes way less valuable, whereas he was far more useful with KD on the team. Similarly, the Thunder may have envisioned Oladipo completing a great starting five with KD, but without Durant, they may view him as a more expendable trade piece. Throw out the thinking out how the Thunder operated with KD.