Via Marc Stein:

Sources told ESPN.com on Friday night that Brooks and the Thunder, after slow-moving talks that had left the sides well apart by the end of the NBA Finals earlier this month, soon will finalize a new four-year deal to follow up the contract that expires Saturday.

Although the financial specifics were not yet known, ESPN.com reported last week that the Thunder's most recent offer was "north of $4 million" annually.

Yep, it's looking like a potential nightmare has been averted. After holding our breath, it looks like Brooks will finalize an extension before he becomes a free agent. I'm not happy because he's a great coach and we saved a genius from falling out of our grasp. I'm happy because he was a good coach who's improved every year, and has fostered this young team well. Plus, I'm glad Clay Bennett is willing to spend the money necessary to keep the pieces of a championship puzzle together. At least, for now.