OKC Thunder Icon Russell Westbrook Announces NBA Retirement

Oklahoma City Thunder Franchise Icon and NBA Legend Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon from the NBA after 18 seasons in the league.

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

"Sometimes you don't even know when you've already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it's over," Westbrook wrote on his social media account.

This is the most Westbrook way to put an end to his NBA career. On his terms, on his platform, with class, reflection and staying true to his brand.

The Oklahoma City Thunder fanbase rallied around Westbrook his entire career, even after his 11 year tenure in Bricktown came to a close. With the Thunder, the UCLA product averaged 23 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.1 stock per game while shooting 43% from the floor, 30% from 3-point land and 80% at the charity stripe.

Westbrook is the all-time triple-double leader in Thunder history, averaging a triple double in four NBA seasons, three of which in Bricktown. Helping guide him to his 2016-17 NBA MVP award.

There is no doubt that Westbrook is one of the best players to step onto the hardwood in Oklahoma City. His legacy is felt to this day. The only debate for the top spot in OKC rests between current superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and now retired icon Westbrook.

Sometime soon, the Oklahoma City Thunder will officially retire Westbrook's number –– the iconic No. 0 that has not been sported since he left OKC –– allowing him to join Nick Collison's No. 4 in the Paycom Center rafters. The Thunder faithful has visions of a statue set outside the new arena that the franchise is set to open up in 2028. We will see if that comes true; Westbrook would be the first Thunder player to receive a statue.

Westbrook's journey includes an NBA MVP award, two NBA All Star MVP honors, nine time All-Star, two scoring titles, three assist titles, nine time All-NBA, the 2008-09 All-Rookie team and a member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team honoring the greating 75 players to ever play the sport.

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Westbrook No. 4 overall in the 2008 draft, and it will go down as one of Sam Presti's greatest selections of all time, which is an impressive feat.

Now, Westbrook can enjoy retirement and truly do whatever he wants. With his investment in Oklahoma City still lasting to this day with the soccer stadium and other ventures, it would not be surprising to see the future Basketball Hall of Famer around Bricktown at times.

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