NBA: Westbrook inks blockbuster Thunder extension

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, back, is congratulated, after scoring a basket and drawing a foul, by forward Kevin Durant during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in Denver. Oklahoma City won 124-102. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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.