Westbrick signs extension with OKC (likely 80 million)

While its certainly possible Westbrook may have been able to get a contract with a higher annual salary after the season, (by qualifying for the 30% cap figure through making the all-star game or was named all-nba again) he certainly did not take the "minimum" contract offer. If Westbrook decides not to resign with OKC, the most he could have signed for would have been a 4 year contract with a new team per the new CBA. If he qualified for the Rose escalator (30% figure) his annual salary would be higher but at the cost of 1 less year of guaranteed money. If he doesnt qualify ie not named all-nba or all-star, not only would his annual salary be less (4.5% raises vs 7.5%) with any other team, but so would the contract length (4years vs 5years).

 

SMH. First of all, are you aware OKC's offense is tied for most efficient in the NBA? Probably not. http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats. Last season, they were tied for 4th. They don't have trouble scoring points.

Right now their defense is the problem and trading Ibaka for those two would make it much worse. They don't need two more outside shooters who can't defend.

 

The Thunders will still have some time to deal ( 1 and 3/4 seasons) with the complications of contract extentions for Harden/Ibaka and luxury taxes implications since both are under contract till the end of the 2012-2013. Looking at their payroll in 2013-14, it isnt inconceivable OKC manages to keep both but perhaps very possible. Of course that's assuming luxury tax stays at approximately 70million OR Ibaka and Harden signs extensions worth approximately 9 -11 million dollars each annually. Heres an approximate outlook at OKC in 2013-2014.

KevinDurant 18.77mil
RWestbrook 15.0
KendPerkins 8.47
TSefolosha 3.9
NCollison 2.58

Totaling 42.78 million in contracts (not incl team options/qualifying offers)

This leaves OKC with about 27 million to resign Harden/Ibaka/Maynor, (all of whom would be restricted FA's) as well as the additional 3 spots on their roster and stay beneath the 70million threshold.

Assuming OKC keeps Reggie Jackson (2.3 million) and assuming another 3 million salary for drafted players in 2011-12 and 2012-13, the budget to sign Ibaka/Harden/Maynor falls to 22million.

While its very very unlikely OKC can manage to resign all three, they can easily offer BOTH Ibaka and Harden extensions in the range of 4/50 or 5/60 range. Of course who knows what player contracts will look like in a couple season or even how greatly improved or declined Harden or Ibaka will be.

 

Smart move.

 

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

he's a very good player but can he work with Durant to win a championship. I think it's unlikely. They're so talented as a team that they can overcome their issues but I don't think they'll be able to come out of the west let alone win the whole thing. Also, it's not a good sign when it's been reported regularly that your two superstars don't get along.

 

Harden isn't really a volume scorer.

 

I see them winning at the very least 1 title. In today's NBA you can screw your team over for 8 years, but if for one year you get a title, it's seen as worth it. Boston's Big 3 is seen as a success even though that window is now shut and they won the title 4 years ago.

 

Thunder overpaid. Will regret.

 

The hate on this board for Westbrook is baffling.

So the guy is a great scorer, rebounder for his position, improving playmaker, great defender, already made an all-nba 2nd team, and 23 years old. You're telling me you won't give that guy the max?

He hasn't even reached his ceiling and he's already an all-nba 2nd team and you don't give him the max? OH lord.

 

Its the stupidly redicules soft cap. I hate that ****. Hard cap would prevent all the butt buddies teaming up and building super teams. Its a ****ing joke.

 

It was a very smart move....you lock up your star players.

DD

 

yeah, i don't buy the he-took-the-minimum amount argument at all. Not only is he getting almost top tier money (which is appropriate for the player he is) he is also playing on a championship contended ...and they will be for several years.

Him resigning there is a no brainer, regardless of if he likes or dislikes certain aspects.

 

By minimum, I'm saying there were two extremes on a 5-year deal that were possible: (1) The $78 million he accepted and (2) the "Rose rule" escalation deal up to $94 million. He agreed to #1 with no opt-out. That is the absolute lowest OKC could have signed him for.

 

I do not hate. Westbook is a very good player but he is _not_ a max player.

 

Tangent: I've read that Durant did get the "Rose rule" contract bump on the extension he signed last year.

In a previous thread, I wasn't sure if he would ask for it, and you didn't think he could get it; apparently yes on both counts.

 

As bad as he is, he is still really good.

 

I predict his contract will be considered an albatross in a couple of years.

Also, my impression was that an extension in the new CBA was up to 4 years, with just 1 designated guy being eligible for a 5-year extension. Is that true?

 

Thread #69?

That belongs to you.