How Russell Westbrook's Contract Affects Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, OKC Thunder

During a time in which some of the NBA’s biggest stars seem to change teams every year, Russell Westbrook isn’t going anywhere. The point guard signed a five-year contract extension worth $205 million Friday to remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The news—coming on Kevin Durant’s birthday, no less—caps off what’s been an extraordinary offseason for Oklahoma City. Three months after trading for Paul George and less than a week after acquiring Carmelo Anthony, the Thunder have locked up the face of their franchise.

By adding George and Anthony, Oklahoma City went all in on the 2017-2018 NBA season, putting together a roster that could conceivably be the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. In doing so, they left themselves open for a mass exodus of talent next summer.

As of Friday morning, Westbrook, George and Anthony all had the option of becoming free agents next summer. The NBA’s worst kept secret might be the fact that George has eyes on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, and L.A. was even fined $500,000 for tampering with George when he was still with the Indiana Pacers. Anthony has no loyalty to Oklahoma City, and he only agreed to join the Thunder when the New York Knicks couldn’t work out a trade with the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers.

If Oklahoma City’s Big 3 failed to make much noise in the playoffs without a long-term commitment from Westbrook, the chances are that both George and Westbrook would be gone within a year. Now, they have a reason to stay.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma City,” said Westbrook in a statement. “I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue my career here with the Thunder. From day one the support that Mr. Bennett, Sam (Presti), Troy (Weaver) and the entire organization have given me and my family has been incredible, and we are so grateful. When you play in Oklahoma City you play in front of the best fans in the world, I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve got, for them, this city and for this organization. WHY NOT?”

Westbrook is entering the final year of his current deal, which will pay him $28.5 million. Add that onto the extension that begins in the 2018-2019 season, and he’s got the biggest guaranteed contract in NBA history.

When Durant bolted for Golden State, Westbrook became the man in Oklahoma City. He responded by winning the NBA MVP award, becoming the first player in 55 years to average a triple-double for an entire season.

That, however, only got the Thunder so far. As the No.6 seed in the West without much help around Westbrook, Oklahoma City was bounced from the first round of the playoffs in five games by the Rockets.

Westbrook could find himself stuck in the same situation after this upcoming season. The Warriors are the odds-on favorites to win the 2018 NBA Finals, while the San Antonio Spurs and Rockets are still largely viewed as the second and third best teams in the West.

By foregoing free agency, Westbrook is letting his All-Star teammates know that he’s committed to building a perennial winner in Oklahoma City. Because of Westbrook’s contract extension, there’s at least a better chance that George and Anthony will choose do to do the same.