Dream Over For Celtics? Westbrook Reportedly Signing Extension With Thunder
BOSTON (CBS) -- Another hot Celtics rumor is heading towards extinction.
According to multiple reports, Russell Westbrook has agreed to a three-year, $85-million contract "renegotiation" with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The five-time All-Star is reportedly heading to Oklahoma City to sign his new deal on Thursday.
The Celtics, with all their future draft picks and collection of young talent, were one of the teams rumored to be talking about a Westbrook swap with the Thunder, who were reportedly exploring trades in fear of losing the soon-to-be free agent with nothing in return. But now that he's locked up for at least two more seasons (the final year of the new deal is a player option), those trade talks are likely going the way of the dodo.
The dreams of acquiring a superstar like Westbrook were fun while they lasted, but now Celtics fans will have to bury them with the Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and DeMarcus Cousins fantasies from the offseason. And with Westbrook staying in Oklahoma City, there is concern that the Thunder will pose a serious threat to the Celtics in their future attempts to acquire a star player.
When Durant left OKC via free agency, it was thought that the Thunder would begin a sort of fire sale in preparation of a rebuild. But in retaining Westbrook, and with the ability to free up cap space, the team could now attract other stars to their roster. One of those stars is Blake Griffin, an Oklahoma native who can become a free agent next season.
With Westbrook sticking around, Oklahoma City is now a much more enticing destination for players. That could leave the Celtics empty handed once again.
