A month to the day after Kevin Durant announced his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, the franchise have announced that their superstar guard Russell Westbrook has extended his contract with the side.
The 27-year-old's previous deal was set to expire next summer, and there was even talk that Oklahoma City could trade the point guard last month.
However, it's been reported Westbrook is looking forward to the responsibility of leading the franchise by himself, news which went down well OKC's fanbase.
Although the details of the deal are being kept undisclosed, it's reportedly that Westbrook could potentially earn up to $85.7 million over the course of the three years, whilst the five-time NBA All-Star will have the option to enter free agency prior to the 2017-18 season.
Last season Westbrook helped guide the franchise to the Western Conference finals, whilst averaging 23.5 points and 10.4 assists across 67 regular-season appearances.
Russell Westbrook Day
The news has understandably taken brilliantly by the people of Oklahoma and for their fan's worldwide, with Westbrook being greeted by hundreds upon hundreds of fans both before and after his press conference at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
But just in case that wasn't enough proof of the city's love for the eight-year NBA veteran, the city's mayor Mike Cornett made doubly sure, by crowning August 4th 'Russell Westbrook Day'.
The mayor confirmed the annual occasion via a tweet, which has since gone viral.
Quotes from Russ and Sam Presti
A press conference was called to properly make the announcement, which was led by general manager Sam Presti alongside Westbrook.
“Being able to come back here is a true blessing, There is nowhere else I'd rather be than Oklahoma City.” The 27-year-old said. “I am grateful to extend my contract with the Thunder and continue to play with the only organization that I have played for and have loved being a part of since I was drafted into the NBA,”
Presti was visibly elated by the decision, having faced scrutiny for the departures of both Serge Ibaka and Durant earlier this summer:
“Obviously, it’s an incredible opportunity to have a player like Russell Westbrook in your organization - not just as a player, we've all seen that evolution - but also has a human being and a leader. He's I think become synonymous with the Thunder but also the city and the spirit of the city.”