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Westbrook Announces NBA Retirement, Thunder to Retire No. 0

8/15/2026

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Summary

Westbrook Retires

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on August 14, 2026.
He earned a 2016-17 MVP, two scoring titles, nine All-Star and nine All-NBA nods.
He set the NBA record with 209 career triple-doubles, becoming the first player to average a triple-double in a season.
The Thunder will retire his No. 0 jersey on Oct. 22, 2026 versus the Denver Nuggets, after teammate Jalen Williams suggested the honor.

Summary

Durant Praises Westbrook

Kevin Durant posted on X that Russell Westbrook’s quiet, methodical approach inspired him.
Durant recalled asking assistant coach Maurice Cheeks if a pre-practice workout was harder and then adopting Westbrook’s early-morning routine.
He said there is no lingering animosity and he would be open to Westbrook joining the Rockets in October 2025.
Their career head-to-head record is a narrow 13-12 edge for Westbrook.

History

Historical Context

During the 1961-62 season Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals became the NBA’s first player to average a triple-double—30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists—and set a league record with 41 triple-doubles. That benchmark stood until Russell Westbrook posted 42 triple-doubles in 2016-17, a trend that helped the league name its Western Conference trophy after Robertson in 2022.

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Westbrook Retires

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on August 14, 2026.
He earned a 2016-17 MVP, two scoring titles, nine All-Star and nine All-NBA nods.
He set the NBA record with 209 career triple-doubles, becoming the first player to average a triple-double in a season.
The Thunder will retire his No. 0 jersey on Oct. 22, 2026 versus the Denver Nuggets, after teammate Jalen Williams suggested the honor.

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