All-Star Westbrook signs extension with Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma City Thunder signed All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook to a multiyear contract extension on Thursday.

Westbrook was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, meaning the Thunder would have had to match any offer he received from another team. Instead, they locked him up with a new deal 15 games into this season. Terms were not disclosed but Yahoo Sports reported the deal was worth $80 million over five years.

Oklahoma City has the best record in the Western Conference, with Westbrook averaging 20.5 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds. He was chosen as an All-Star for the first time last season.

“We are thrilled to solidify Russell’s future with the Thunder,” general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. “Since we arrived in Oklahoma City, Russell’s work ethic, persistence, character, and involvement in our community have helped us establish the standards that we are committed to on a day-to-day basis. He is a valued member of our organization and we look forward to his continued contributions on and off the floor.”

Westbrook made the All-NBA second team last season after averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 assists and 1.9 steals _ ranking among the top 15 in the league in all three categories. The Thunder made it to the Western Conference finals last season, losing to the Dallas Mavericks.

He scored a season-high 36 points in Oklahoma City’s 105-102 loss at Washington on Wednesday night.

The Thunder had an off day Thursday during a three-game East Coast road trip and Westbrook was not immediately available for comment. They play Saturday night at New Jersey and the team plans a news conference after returning to Oklahoma City.

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