Russell Westbrook Officially Announces NBA Retirement After 18 Seasons
The 2017 MVP and all-time triple-double leader steps away from the game following an 18-year career.
Summary
Russell Westbrook has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after playing 18 seasons across seven franchises
The 2017 league MVP concludes his career as the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader with 209 and ranks fifth in career assists
Despite receiving contract offers from the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards Westbrook decided to retire on his own terms
NBA superstar Russell Westbrook has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball after an illustrious 18-season career. The former league MVP confirmed his decision across social media on Wednesday.
Originally selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Westbrook accumulated career averages of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game across seven different franchises. He spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning the 2017 NBA MVP award and joining forces with Kevin Durant and James Harden to capture the Western Conference title and reach the 2012 NBA Finals.
Westbrook departs the league as the undisputed triple-double king, holding the all-time record with 209 career triple-doubles after surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record in 2021, in addition to setting the single-season mark of 42 in 2016-17. He closes his playing days ranked fifth in all-time NBA assists and 14th on the league’s all-time scoring list with 27,176 points, trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and James Harden among active players.
Despite receiving offers during the offseason from both the Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards, the nine-time All-Star chose to conclude his playing career on his own terms.
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
