Westbrook: 'Loyalty is something I stand by'

Given his ability to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook surprised many among NBA circles after agreeing to a three-year renegotiation extension Thursday.

And while the average fan may have expected Westbrook to test free agency in 2017, the All-NBA guard seemingly had zero intention of leaving the Thunder.

"Loyalty is something I stand by," Westbrook told reporters Thursday. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than Oklahoma City."

After losing nine-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors this summer, few would've criticized Westbrook for waiting to see how the 2016-17 season turned out before signing a new deal. However, the 27-year-old said there was no need to delay a new contract, despite the uncertainty that lies ahead for Oklahoma City.

"There's no need to wait if you know where you want to be," Westbrook said.

Drafted fourth overall in 2008, the Thunder are the only franchise Westbrook has known, spending all eight of his professional seasons in Oklahoma City.

The UCLA product could still leave the Thunder in 2018, but that appears less likely than it did just a few days ago.