Russell Westbrook extending contract in OKC

Cross another star off the Celtics’ summer shopping list. It looks like Russell Westbrook is staying in OKC for a while longer. According to Woj:

Thad Foucher of Wasserman Media Group, the agent for Oklahoma City superstar Russell Westbrook, is engaged in serious talks with the Thunder on a contract renegotiation that could secure Westbrook through the 2018-19 season in Oklahoma City, league sources told The Vertical.

No deal has been finalized for the five-time All-Star guard, but there’s momentum toward a three-year, $85 million-plus maximum contract renegotiation agreement, league sources told The Vertical.

The proposed deal would include a player option on the third year, which would clear the way for Westbrook to return to free agency in 2018.

This deal gives Sam Presti the ability to focus on building a team around Westbrook without worrying about him leaving next summer. Good get for the Thunder, who simply couldn’t afford to lose two top-5 stars in a matter of months.

So thus endeth the Russell Westbrook watch. Until...