NBA: Thunder’s Westbrook inks $85 mn extension

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a press conference after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-101 in game six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 28, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.   J Pat Carter/Getty Images/AFP
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a press conference after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-101 in game six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 28, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. J Pat Carter/Getty Images/AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — All-star point guard Russell Westbrook signed a three-year, $85 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, one month after the team lost Kevin Durant to Golden State.

“I am grateful to extend my contract with the Thunder and continue to play with the only organization that I have played for and have loved being a part of since I was drafted into the NBA,” Westbrook said.

“I’m really excited about moving forward with this group of guys and continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world.”

Signing the five-time all-star was key for the Thunder after losing star forward Durant.

Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds last season.

Westbrook has played all eight seasons of his NBA career with Oklahoma City, averaging 21.5 points and 7.6 assists. Westbrook was drafted fourth overall in 2008 by the Seattle SuperSonics, who moved to Oklahoma City that year to become the Thunder.

© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse