Late last month, Russell Westbrook said he hadn’t thought signing a contract extension with the Thunder.
But he also said, “Obviously, Oklahoma City is a place that I want to be.” He also called Oklahoma home in a new commercial.
Neither means he’ll remain with the Thunder beyond next season, but I don’t believe he’d mislead fans so strongly if he didn’t plan to stay. Westbrook is too good at branding himself for that, and post-Decision, players are more conscious about framing their exits.
He has built his image, in contrast to Kevin Durant, on loyalty to Oklahoma City. Westbrook could always pivot, but that gets harder if he keeps sending signals about his devotion to the Thunder.
