Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is not worried that superstar Russell Westbrook has not responded to their massive offer of a five-year, $207-million extension, which will put him ahead of Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry as the highest paid player in the NBA. Per CBS Sports, Presti said that the front office will let the situation play itself out as the Thunder have October 16 as the deadline to sign Westbrook.
“We're gonna have that offer on the table for as long as it's permitted to be there. Obviously we're hopeful that takes place,” said Presti.
The Thunder are hoping that Westbrook signs the deal to avoid another Kevin Durant situation from happening. In the last offseason, Durant did not sign the Thunder’s offer, allowing him to become a free agent and join the Warriors. There were reports that Westbrook will not sign the deal and instead leave Oklahoma City for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would team up with either LeBron James or current Thunder teammate Paul George, who can leave the team in 2018.
Westbrook to miss part of training camp
Presti told reporters that Westbrook will miss the first few days of training camp after he received a PRP injection on his injured knee. Westbrook decided to undergo treatment rather than let the issue plague him long-term, which would end the Thunder’s championship hopes.
Last season, Westbrook won the regular-season MVP award after averaging a triple-double with 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. He set a new record for triple-doubles with 42, surpassing the previous mark of 41 set by Oscar Robertson. The Thunder are expected to go deep into the postseason after the acquisition of George from the Indiana Pacers.
The Thunder shipped Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the Pacers for George in the offseason.
Thunder GM praises Durant
Presti gave his view about the recent Twitter fiasco involving Durant, who criticized Thunder coach Billy Donovan and the team roster on his social media account. The superstar later apologized for his actions, saying they were “childish” and “idiotic." Presti said no one from the Thunder has anything negative to say about Durant, adding that they have the utmost respect and appreciation for him as a former teammate and for what he accomplished during his tenure in Oklahoma City.
Despite his mistake, Durant said he will continue engaging fans on social media, saying it’s the best way to connect with them. However, Durant said he will scale back on his social media engagement and focus on further improving his basketball skills.
