Story perspectives

Russell Westbrook Announces Retirement After 18 NBA Seasons

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on August 12, 2026, ending an 18-season NBA career.
He retired with $349.5 million in earnings, 27,176 points and the league’s all-time record of 209 triple-doubles, highlighted by a 2016-17 MVP season.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti called Westbrook “the ultimate competitor” and a Hall-of-Fame candidate.
Mayor David Holt said Westbrook’s MVP season lifted city spirit and coincided with a 94,000-person metro increase from 2008-2018.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 Howard Schultz sold the Seattle SuperSonics for $350 million to Clay Bennett’s Oklahoma City group, and after a $45 million settlement with Seattle, NBA owners approved the move 28-2 in April 2008. The franchise became the Oklahoma City Thunder, prompting a $120 million Ford Center renovation approved in March 2008 and boosting the team’s value to $300 million by December 2008.

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Story summary

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on August 12, 2026, ending an 18-season NBA career.
He retired with $349.5 million in earnings, 27,176 points and the league’s all-time record of 209 triple-doubles, highlighted by a 2016-17 MVP season.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti called Westbrook “the ultimate competitor” and a Hall-of-Fame candidate.
Mayor David Holt said Westbrook’s MVP season lifted city spirit and coincided with a 94,000-person metro increase from 2008-2018.

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