Russell Westbrook Sends Message to Former Teammate After NBA Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 7, 2026 10:14 PM ET

Russell Westbrook signed a one-year, minimum salary contract with the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2025-26 season. In his 18th NBA season, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game across 64 appearances. Westbrook also became just the second player in NBA history to reach both 25,000 career points and 10,000 career assists, joining LeBron James in that exclusive company.

Despite his individual contributions, Sacramento finished 22-60 and missed the playoffs for a third straight season. For Westbrook, it was the latest chapter of an already accomplished career across several franchises.

After 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019, then spent time with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz again, Denver Nuggets, and finally Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18)© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Among his most memorable stops was in Houston, where he played one season alongside James Harden and P.J. Tucker. And on Thursday, Westbrook watched as one of his former teammates closed the curtain on an illustrious career.

Tucker announced his retirement from the NBA Instagram, bringing an end to a career that spanned two decades.

Westbrook was among the first players to wish his former teammate well, reacting in the comments with a message to the NBA champion.

“My dog!! Congratulations my brother!! Real 1.”

View this post on Instagram

Outside of their time on the Rockets, the two also shared the locker room with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2023-24 season.

That team finished 51-31, clinching a fourth seed in the Western Conference. Westbrook thrived in a new role off the bench alongside Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and Tucker’s defensive toughness and veteran presence complemented that group perfectly.

Westbrook’s one-year deal with Sacramento has expired, making him a free agent as he turns 37 this November. He has stated his intention to return to the Kings for his 19th season, but it’s unclear if the team is willing to bring him back.

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

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