Russell Westbrook signs 10-year extension deal with Jordan

Russell Westbrook signs 10-year extension deal with Jordan Brand

All summer OKC Thunder fans have patiently waited for Russell Westbrook to sign his extension contract. Waking up this morning fans learned Westbrook has finally put ink to paper on a 10-year extension. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly the contract you were expecting.

The deal is with Jordan Brand and with it Westbrook becomes the face of the brand for the next decade.

The deal itself offers unusual caveats within. For example a unique “ambassador clause,” which extends beyond Russ retirement years. This means Westbrook will continue to be promote the brand via events and other special circumstances. That’s an unusual commitment which tends to align with special super stars . The most obvious being the brands primary face – Michael Jordan.

In addition, Jordan Brand has committed to contribute yearly to Westbrook’s charity “Why Not”.

Westbrook just returned from a multi city tour of China where he promoted the new Air Jordan model – Air Jordan XXXII. Consequently, this is the specific model Westbrook intends to wear this season.

Related: Westbrook pitch man for new Air Jordan XXXII

Russell Westbrook Specialty Shoe in works:

Although Westbrook has long adorned Nike and Jordan brand specific shoes in his professional career, he’s yet to sport his own design. That circumstance changes immediately with this deal. The star and kicks company are already working to design a signature shoe. In addition, the star will work with Jordan to design both on and off court models.  It is anticipated Westbrook’s on court shoe will be something unlike Jordan has ever made. Nick DePaula of ESPN details the breaking news:

"Now that the decade-long deal has been locked in, the process is underway to begin developing an on-court Westbrook signature shoe. The shoe is expected to highlight his flashy and unpredictable fashion lens — “unlike anything that Jordan Brand has done before,” according to an industry source. There has also been a distinct separation in his tastes for game and lifestyle sneakers, as he prefers deconstructed and simplified casual shoes off the court, versus highly sculpted, molded and responsive basketball shoes."

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Unique aspects of deal:

Another unique aspect of the deal is it will retroactively affect Westbrook’s MVP season. The deal is said to be the most lucrative of his peers. This is understandable given Westbrook’s ties with Jordan and his continuing ascent in the NBA. Suffice to say Westbrook’s off court sponsorship portfolio just took a massive pay increase.

Moving forward this may not have been the extension deal OKC Thunder fans were anticipating, but it offers some encouraging signs. With Russell Westbrook in New York for Fashion Week and promoting his book Style Breakers the timing of this announcement was apropos.

Related: Westbrook tops NBA fantasy board

Given training camps are on the near horizon perhaps Westbrook next step will be to put pen to paper for his super max contract extension. After all Russell Westbrook has never worn anything but Nike or Jordan Brand and remained loyal to the brand. That’s a staple of Westbrook’s personality – loyalty. He is a creature of habit who sticks with a close inner knit circle. That bodes well for the reigning MVP to remain with his original team. Especially now that he has firmly taken over the reigns of the Thunder as it’s leader.

So, congratulations are in order for Russell Westbrook. Let’s hope our next well wishes ties into a super max congratulatory message.