After 18 seasons, nine All-Star selections and a career filled with historic accomplishments, Russell Westbrook is officially calling it a career.
The former NBA Most Valuable Player announced his retirement from professional basketball Wednesday, Aug. 12, bringing an end to one of the most electrifying and memorable careers of his generation. ESPN reported that Westbrook, 37, made the announcement on social media after spending the 2025-26 season with the Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook shared the news through an emotional 3½-minute video, narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. The presentation reflected on his journey from a young basketball player to one of the NBA’s most accomplished guards.
A Historic Career
Drafted fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Westbrook quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise after it relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
He spent his first 11 seasons with Oklahoma City and helped lead the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden. He later played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook’s individual résumé is remarkable. He won the 2017 NBA MVP Award, was selected to nine All-Star teams and earned nine All-NBA selections. He also led the league in scoring twice and assists three times.
But perhaps his most enduring accomplishment is his dominance in the triple-double category.
Westbrook finishes his career as the NBA’s all-time leader with 209 regular-season triple-doubles. During the 2016-17 season, he recorded a then-record 42 triple-doubles while averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season.
He ultimately accomplished that feat four times during his career.
Westbrook also retires ranked fifth all-time in assists with 10,351 and 14th in scoring with 27,176 points. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2012.
A Career Defined by Intensity
Throughout his career, Westbrook became known for his explosive athleticism, relentless energy and fearless approach to the game. His playing style often made him one of basketball’s most polarizing stars, but there was never much debate about his competitiveness.
His final NBA season came with Sacramento, where he averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 campaign.
Westbrook’s decision also comes after reportedly receiving contract offers from both the Kings and Wizards during the offseason. Rather than continuing his playing career, he chose to walk away from the game on his own terms.
The End of an Era
From his early days in Oklahoma City to his MVP season and record-setting triple-double performances, Westbrook leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to duplicate.
He may not have finished his career with an NBA championship, but his statistical achievements, competitive spirit and impact on the game have secured his place among the most accomplished guards in NBA history.
After nearly two decades of playing the game he loved, Russell Westbrook is stepping away from the court.
The Brodie era is officially over—but his legacy will live on.
