OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — NBA blocks leader Serge Ibaka has agreed to a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing back another key contributor to a team that made the finals last season.
General manager Sam Presti announced Saturday that Ibaka had agreed to a multi-year extension but did not provide details, citing team policy. Yahoo! Sports first reported he deal is for four years and $48 million.
Ibaka’s signing could pivotal in the future of the franchise, which already has All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook locked into expensive, long-term contracts. This summer is the first time Ibaka and Sixth Man of the Year James Harden are eligible for extensions to their rookie contracts, and the small-market team could be in a crunch to bring both back beyond next season.