Breaking: Russell Westbrook Retires After 18 Seasons

After 18 seasons and a Hall of Fame career, point guard Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA.

Aug 12, 2026, 12:16 PM

Watch: Jake Gadon Says Goodbye to Sacramento: 49ers, Kings & What’s Next | 26 mins

After 18 seasons, point guard Russell Westbrook seems to be retiring from the NBA. He hangs it up as one of the most decorated players at the position with nine All-Star appearances, nine All-NBA listings, and two All-Star Most Valuable Players.

His 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder was one of the greatest statistical seasons all time, averaging 31.6 points, 10.4 assists, and 10.7 rebounds en route to winning the MVP. While that was his only MVP award, Westbrook finished in the top five in voting on three other occasions.

Not many players can say they’ve led the league in scoring; Westbrook did it twice. He also led the NBA in assists on three different occasions and averaged a triple-double four times. The only other players to average a triple-double in a season are Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokic.

While Jokic (198) will likely end up passing him, Westbrook hangs it up as the all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209. The 6’4 guard spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Thunder before brief stops in Houston, Washington, both Los Angeles teams, Denver, and last season with the Kings.

On Wednesday, Westbrook posted his retirement announcement on social media.

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

Bound for the Hall of Fame after already being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team a few seasons back, Westbrook’s name is all over the record book. He ends his career 25th in games played (1301), 5th in assists and 16th on the all-time scoring list (27,176). He also recorded the most rebounds of any point guard in NBA history with 9,025 (67th).

Westbrook will forever be one of the best players of this generation as an electric player with an inspirational desire to be great. Whether it was his 20-20-20 night or place among the young Thunder who battled LeBron James’ Heatles in the finals, the future Hall of Famer from Long Beach, California produced countless memories and inspired plenty of the next generation, some of whom are already in the league themselves.

His time in the league will mainly be remembered with the Thunder, as it should, but his final NBA season will always have been with the Sacramento Kings.

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.