One of the NBA's defining stars of the 2010s, Russell Westbrook called it a career on Wednesday. The future Hall-of-Famer announced his retirement. One of the league's brightest — and most polarizing — superstars has hung up his sneakers for good.
Westbrook enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. He played in 18 seasons. In that time, he was a one-time MVP winner, nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA member and holds the all-time record for most career triple-doubles.
Spending the first 11 seasons of his career on the Oklahoma City Thunder, he co-starred one of the top title contenders for a decade. They had one NBA Finals trip and four Western Conference Finals appearances. They were always in the middle of the conversation
about the best team in the league.
In that time, Westbrook had Kevin Durant by his side for eight seasons. Eventually, Paul George took his spot as OKC's All-Star forward. After Durant left the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook enjoyed his sole MVP campaign as a 30-point triple-double machine. The following summer, the Thunder recalibrated by acquiring George in a surprising blockbuster.
Westbrook and George spent two seasons together on the Thunder from 2017-19. Even though both years ended with Round 1 exits, it rejuvenated a fanbase that was still scorned by Durant's surprising departure. The highlight of their tenure was George's decision to re-sign with OKC in 2018 and finishing a career-best top-three in the MVP race the following season.
As the entire sports world celebrated Westbrook's legendary NBA career, George joined in on the festivities and congratulations. He posted a social media slideshow on his Instagram story. They also spent an additional one-and-a-half years together on the LA Clippers in a reunion.
"Congrats Brodie on a hell of a career," George wrote. "Appreciated every moment to lace em up wit ya! On to the next beeto!"
Cool to see Westbrook and George form a bond over the years. Even though things didn't work out, you gotta give the Thunder credit for superstar-hunting just one year since Durant's exit. That bought a lot of trust for the fanbase and the perennial 2010s All-Star. It didn't result in on-court success, but helped OKC eventually trade George in the 2019 blockbuster that turned into the groundwork for its 2025 NBA championship with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Paul George officially congratulated Russell Westbrook an amazing career
— 𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒂𝒉 (@isaiiahx) August 13, 2026
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This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Paul George congratulates Russell Westbrook on NBA retirement
