Russell Westbrook inked a five-year mega-extension on Friday, and that’s vital to retaining Paul George. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed their superstar point guard to a five-year extension worth $205 million, and that came just months after the team traded for Paul George. Russell Westbrook is now locked in with the Thunder for the next six seasons.

George, 27, has a player-option for the 2018-19 season that’s worth $20.7 million. Holding onto Westbrook means Oklahoma City has an even greater chance of keeping their newest star.

“For him to be committed here, it says a lot,” said the four-time All-Star to ESPN’s Royce Young. “Just knowing what type of dude Russ is in his values and his beliefs, and him being committed to this organization says a lot.”

The Thunder got George from the Indiana Pacers for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, and he’s owed $19.5 million for this upcoming season. Once next summer came, the speculation was that he’d bolt for sunny Southern California and join his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Those rumors traveled with him to Oklahoma City.

Russ’ future was also the center of speculation. Fans theorized that he’d bolt from the Thunder and join his hometown team… the Los Angeles Lakers. Now that he’s secured, George has more incentive to stay because the Thunder have the chance to surprise a lot of people. The only issue is getting them to where they can be contenders. Still, the four-time All-Star sounds optimistic.

“I think when that time comes, the decision will be easier to make for myself,” continued George.

Start a conversation with me on Twitter