Former Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball after 18 seasons in the NBA.
The 37-year-old guard confirmed his decision on social media, concluding a decorated career that spanned seven franchises. Westbrook had received interest and potential offers from teams including the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards during the offseason, but ultimately chose to end his playing career on his own terms.
Selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook began his professional journey as the final draft pick of the Seattle SuperSonics before the franchise relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Over eleven seasons in Oklahoma City, he developed into an all-star guard, pairing with Kevin Durant and James Harden to reach the 2012 NBA Finals. Westbrook finished his tenure in Oklahoma City as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, rebounds, and steals.
Throughout his 18-year career, Westbrook established himself as one of the most explosive and statistically prolific guards in league history, leaving behind a legacy defined by historic triple-double records and high-intensity play.
Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.
You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026
