Sources: OKC in serious talks about Russell Westbrook contract renegotiation

[rquoter]Sources: OKC in serious talks about Russell Westbrook contract renegotiation

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.

In the structure of a proposed deal, the renegotiation would move Westbrook’s salary in 2016-17 from $17.8 million to a $26.5 million max salary. Westbrook would make $28.5 million in 2017-18 and $30.6 million in the third year under the proposed renegotiated deal. Oklahoma City is able to offer the extension because it has the appropriate salary-cap space available.

For now, Westbrook is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2017, and a new contractual commitment to Oklahoma City in the wake of Kevin Durant’s departure could be instrumental in recruiting another elite free agent to the Thunder’s talented core next summer.[/rquoter]