Russell Westbrook Retires After 18 Seasons, Closing Out an All-Time Career
The 2017 MVP and NBA's career triple-double leader turned down offers from Sacramento and Washington to walk away from the game on his own terms.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA this week, ending an 18-season career that included a Most Valuable Player award, nine All-Star selections and the league's all-time triple-double record. Westbrook, 37, shared the news on social media, closing the book on a career that spanned seven franchises.
Westbrook leaves the league as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209.
According to ESPN, Westbrook had offers on the table from the Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards for next season but chose to retire instead of returning for a 19th year.
Russell Westbrook Career Stats at a Glance
- Seasons: 18 (2008-2026)
- Teams: Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Kings
- MVP awards: 1 (2017)
- Triple-doubles: 209 (NBA all-time record)
- All-Star selections: 9
- All-NBA selections: 9
- Scoring titles: 2
- Olympic gold medals: 1 (2012, Team USA)
A Hall of Fame Résumé
Drafted fourth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, Westbrook built one of the most explosive résumés in NBA history: the 2017 MVP award, nine All-NBA selections, nine All-Star appearances, two scoring titles and a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics. His signature achievement is the all-time triple-double record, finishing his career with 209 — a mark widely considered one of the hardest in the sport to break.
Turning Down Sacramento and Washington
Westbrook's decision to retire came even as two teams pursued him for the 2026-27 season. ESPN reported that both the Kings and the Wizards extended offers, but Westbrook opted to end his career on his own terms rather than sign a short-term deal for a 19th campaign.
Seven Teams, One Identity
Over his career, Westbrook suited up for the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. Regardless of the uniform, his relentless, high-motor style of play remained a constant, making him one of the most polarizing and productive players of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Russell Westbrook when he retired?
Westbrook was 37 years old when he announced his retirement in August 2026, closing out an 18-season career.
What is Russell Westbrook's biggest NBA record?
Westbrook is the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209, a record he built across stints with the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings.
Did Russell Westbrook have offers to keep playing?
Yes. According to ESPN, Westbrook received offers from the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards for the 2026-27 season but chose to retire instead.
What awards did Russell Westbrook win in his career?
Westbrook won the 2017 NBA MVP award, was named to nine All-NBA teams, made nine All-Star teams, won two scoring titles, and captured Olympic gold with Team USA in 2012.
Is Russell Westbrook a Hall of Famer?
Westbrook is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee once he becomes eligible, based on his MVP award, nine All-NBA selections and the NBA's all-time triple-double record.
Which team did Russell Westbrook play for the longest?
Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the franchise that drafted him fourth overall in 2008 and where he won his MVP award in 2017.
