Russell Westbrook had opportunities to continue his NBA career this offseason, but the veteran guard ultimately chose retirement on his own terms.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Westbrook received offers from both the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards after completing his 18th NBA season. Rather than signing with either team, however, the 37-year-old decided to step away from professional basketball.
Russell Westbrook spent the 2025-26 season with the Kings, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 64 appearances. It marked the latest chapter of an 18-year NBA career that began when he was selected fourth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.
Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026
You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV
Russell Westbrook’s NBA journey
Westbrook spent his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, developing into one of the NBA’s most dominant all-around players. After Kevin Durant left in 2016, Russell Westbrook took on an even larger role and won the 2016-17 MVP award after averaging a triple-double.
He later played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, experiencing a series of major changes throughout the second half of his career.
The Wizards were already a familiar destination for Westbrook. He played 65 games in Washington during the 2020-21 season, averaging 22.2 points, 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds while helping the team reach the playoffs.
His career also included an NBA Finals appearance with Oklahoma City in 2012, nine All-Star selections and nine All-NBA honors. Westbrook ultimately leaves the league as its all-time leader in regular-season triple-doubles, one of the defining statistical marks of his career.
