As the 2020s decade enters its last years, the NBA's era-defining superstars of the 2010s are calling it a career. Over the last seven months, two of the greatest point guards in league history announced their respective retirements — Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.
Of course, one was a little better planned than the other, but Westbrook and Paul helped define the NBA in the 2010s. Both clashed in several Western Conference playoff battles over the years. They each vied to be viewed as an all-time great. The one thing that they had in common? Both played for the same handful of franchises — including the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Celebrating the end of their playing days, Westbrook and Paul went on vacation together. On a luxurious yacht, they
showed off that — even in retirement — they remain in game shape. In a recent social media clip, Paul threw Westbrook an alley-oop — ala his Lob City days. And then Westbrook returned the favor.
Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are LIVING THE LIFE in retirement 🛥️
— NBA (@NBA) September 2, 2026
(via cp3/IG) pic.twitter.com/O0hNAoQpUM
Westbrook played a legendary 18 seasons in the NBA. Most remember him for his first time on the Thunder. In his 11 seasons there, that's where he turned into a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The one-time MVP winner was a nine-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA member. He owns the all-time triple-double record. Alongside Kevin Durant, he co-starred in OKC's first title contender with several deep playoff runs.
After spending last season on the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook called it a career. Not much was left to accomplish for the 37-year-old — aside from a championship ring. But he didn't need one to validate himself in the NBA's history books as one of the era-defining superstars. At the peak of his powers, he was one of the most polarizing and impactful players.
Meanwhile, Paul was equally impactful. He was a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA member. With five assist titles on his resume, most view him as one of the best traditional point guards in league history. He played in an epic 21 seasons in the league. In the 2000s and 2010s, he was widely in the conversation for one of the best players in the league.
Both Westbrook and Paul were traded for each other in a 2019 deal. Paul spent one season on the Thunder. In that time, he rehabilitated his value as a bounce-back All-NBA talent. He also helped mentor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — as both arrived in OKC at the same time. Those two's relationship remains strong all these years later.
Of course, most know how ugly and abrupt Paul's retirement was. Hoping for a season-long farewell tour, the LA Clippers instead booted him home in Dec. 2025. Traded to the Toronto Raptors at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the future Hall-of-Famer was waived and unceremoniously retired. No last game or flowers or anything like that.
It's good to see Westbrook and Paul share some bonding time together this summer. Usually pinned against one another in their point guard rivalry, both can spend their vacation together reflecting on their respective NBA legacies. Neither reached the pinnacle of the sport, but being ringless is just a footnote in their mythical careers.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul vacation together to celebrate NBA retirement
