US media revealed: Westbrook returns to Thunder with a year-on-year salary! OKC’s king is back!

Recently, US media revealed that Russell Westbrook will return to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a one-year minimum salary contract. As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused an uproar in the basketball world. Fans sighed: "The king of OKC is back!"

Westbrook has a deep connection with the Thunder. In 2008, he was selected in the fourth pick in the first round by the Seattle Supersonics (later relocated to Oklahoma City and renamed the Thunder) in the NBA Draft, starting his brilliant NBA career. During his 11 seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook grew into a top star in the league. His passion, vitality and unyielding fighting spirit have become the spiritual symbol of the Thunder. He led the team to the playoffs many times, and in 2012 he led the team to the finals. Although he lost regretfully, his performance on the field is still talked about by fans.

Westbrook's personal honors are countless. He won the regular season MVP in the 2016-17 season, and was also elected as the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player twice, becoming the NBA scoring champion twice, and becoming the NBA assist champion three times. He was selected into the NBA All-Star Game 9 times in his career and the NBA's best team 9 times. He even became the NBA's history triple-double king in the 2020-21 season. So far, his career triple-double has reached 200 times, ranking first in NBA history. After leaving the Thunder, Westbrook played for many teams including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, but his heart has always been concerned about Oklahoma City. Last season, he joined the Nuggets with a one-year minimum salary contract, and averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game. His three-point shooting percentage in the bottom corner increased to a career high of 34%, showing a good competitive state.

Now, with Lillard returning to the Trail Blazers and Paul returning to the Clippers, the NBA has set off a wave of veterans returning to their roots, and Westbrook has finally ushered in the opportunity to return to the Thunder. It is understood that Thunder coach Mark Degenut is full of expectations for Westbrook's return. He believes that Westbrook's impact and experience can create more space for the team's young core Alexander, and can also ignite the team's fighting spirit at critical moments. The data analysis team also pointed out that if Westbrook averages 20 minutes per game, the Thunder's fast break score will soar by 12%, which will undoubtedly be a bonus for the Thunder, which focuses on the Youth Storm.

For the Thunder, Westbrook's return is not only a supplement to his strength, but also a spiritual encouragement. In recent years, the Thunder have trained a number of potential new stars such as Alexander, Homegren and Jaylen Williams through drafts and trades. Last season, they returned to the NBA Finals after 13 years. Now they are strong and are in the golden period of winning the championship. Westbrook's arrival will inject more championship genes and valuable experience into this young team.

For Westbrook, returning to the Thunder may also be the most perfect destination in his career. Here, he is the eternal hero in the hearts of fans; here, he has the opportunity to strive for the championship trophy again, bringing a perfect end to his brilliant career. As he himself said, "If I can win the championship, I am willing to retire immediately." Now, he seems to be one step closer to this dream.

Although Westbrook is 35 years old and is no longer the "fighting beast" that flies in the sky and the earth, his fighting spirit and desire for victory have never changed. In the new season, when he stepped onto the floor of the Chesapeake Energy Arena again wearing the Thunder's No. 0 jersey, I believe that all the fans of the venue will be excited. Let us look forward to Westbrook's second journey in the Thunder, and look forward to him joining hands with young players such as Alexander to bring more glory to Oklahoma City!