Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after an 18-year career, concluding one of the league's most distinctive journeys. The former MVP shared his farewell in a video on social media on Wednesday.
Westbrook, 37, spent his final NBA season in 2025-26 with the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 15.2 points per game over 64 contests. His career accolades include the 2016-17 NBA MVP award, two scoring titles, and nine All-Star selections. He also became the league's all-time leader in triple-doubles.
Drafted fourth overall out of UCLA in the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, he led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals, marking one of the youngest teams to reach that stage.
After departing Oklahoma City following the 2018-19 season, Westbrook played for several other teams, including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and concluded with the Kings.
Rumors earlier this week suggested a potential move to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, but those reports were described as "laughably false."