Oklahoma City Thunder trade rumors: Westbrook signing helps OKC remain as contenders

It's a great day for the Oklahoma City Thunder and their fans as Russell Westbrook has promised his immediate future with the franchise.

After a long time of staying silent, the Thunder revealed that Westbrook signed a three-year deal that ensures he will be with the team for, at least, the coming season.

ESPN reported about the deal, claiming the contract is worth around $85.7 million. The contract also sees that Westbrook will have his player option at the end of the 2017-18 season.

The move ensures the Thunder that, if Westbrook decides to leave at the end of the coming season, the team will get something in return as it would have to be through a trade.

Additionally, a player of Westbrook's caliber will surely command a lot of money and assets in return that would keep the Thunder afloat if they depart ways.

SB Nation reported there is a frenzy following the press conference set by the Thunder, with fans flocking to meet their superstar point guard, and thanking him for staying with the franchise.

Other reports show that Westbrook is best suited with the Thunder as the team still have some pieces to help him win. If compared with moving to another team, the only realistic team to go with is the Boston Celtics.

Naturally, there is a lot expected from the eight-year player as Westbrook will undoubtedly be the top player in the team.

In the 2014-15 season, Westbrook got his season high with points as he averaged 28.1 points per game as he carried the load in the absence of Kevin Durant due to injuries.

Now, many are expecting Westbrook to be as dominant as he was during that season, and many consider him to be an MVP candidate in the coming year.

With this signing, the Thunder are expected to have little room left to acquire new players. However, they secured their most important asset in Westbrook, and they are expected to still do well in the coming campaign.