Russell Westbrook, OKC News Emerges Amid NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 8:52 PM ET

Russell Westbrook concluded his 18th NBA season, extending a career that began when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the fourth overall pick in 2008. The future Hall of Famer went on to establish himself as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.

Alongside Kevin Durant, Westbrook helped transform Oklahoma City into a perennial contender. Westbrook later won the 2017 NBA MVP award after averaging a triple-double for an entire season and became the franchise’s all-time assists leader

Westbrook has not played for the Thunder since 2019, but the franchise has continued to thrive in the years since his departure. Oklahoma City captured the NBA championship in 2025 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They also entered the playoffs with hopes of repeating before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the Western Conference finals on Saturday.

Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0)© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Despite playing for six different teams since his departure, Westbrook’s connection to Oklahoma City has remained strong. And now, he is helping shape the city’s future off the court.

On Monday, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announced that Westbrook has become an investor in the Thunder’s new arena, Continental Coliseum, and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“It’s a special time in OKC,” Holt said. “Today was a special day, as we broke ground on the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, which will host the USL and UFL and open the door to other opportunities.”

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The $900 million arena project first broke ground on March 26 and is scheduled to open ahead of the 2028-29 NBA season. The 750,000-square-foot venue will be built on the site of the former Myriad Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City and is expected to become one of the most significant development projects in the city’s history.

Designed by MANICA Architecture, the arena will feature a 360-degree glass curtain wall with panoramic views throughout the building and sight lines tailored specifically for NBA games. Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources secured a 15-year naming rights agreement for the venue.

Westbrook’s involvement feels like a natural extension of a relationship that has never truly ended. He remains one of the most beloved figures in Thunder history and has continued to support the city through community initiatives and public appearances long after his playing career in Oklahoma City came to an end.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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