For both sides, this contract is a trail period. Westbrook has the decision to opt out if he so chooses. Conversely, the Thunder are not locked into a long term deal with Westbrook either. Westbrook will be the centerpiece of Oklahoma City next year; surrounding him will be Victor Oladipo, Andre Roberson, Enes Kanter, and Steven Adams. This team has the potential to make the playoffs in the Western Conference or, the could could completely whiff the playoffs entirely. Westbrook can win you games, but he can also lose you games.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder winning games with Russell Westbrook is the best they can hope for. Signing Westbrook is a good move now, but they're going to be in the same position next year. Westbrook will have the decision to opt out of his contract and Oklahoma City will have to make a choice. Trade Westbrook early and they'll receive value for him. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, "sources say the next step would’ve come swiftly: Westbrook would have been moved into the marketplace, traded for a package of young players and draft picks". It was that or letting him walk for nothing (Example Kevin Durant). Another year of Westbrook is a good thing. He's entertaining, it buys them time, he's a top five player in the league, he'll sell tickets, and he's a feel good story. A big star deciding to resign in a small market bodes well for the image of the Thunder (especially if they hope to recruit big name free agents in the future), the image of Westbrook and the image of the NBA.
