Russell Westbrook has made his intentions crystal clear regarding his NBA future.
The veteran guard dismissed retirement speculation with a blunt “yeah right” response when questioned about ending his career after the upcoming campaign.
Russell Westbrook on potentially retiring after this season:
“Yeah right.” 😭
(via @MattGeorgeSAC)pic.twitter.com/tMg5piAysn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 19, 2025
The former MVP recently joined the Sacramento Kings as a free agent following an extended period without a team. At nearly 37 years old, Westbrook spent over three months unsigned before securing his current deal.
Key Statistics from Previous Season:
- Points per game: 13.3
- Rebounds per game: 4.9
- Assists per game: 6.1
Westbrook’s role has evolved significantly throughout his 17-year career. While his playoff performance has drawn criticism, he continues to provide value as a bench contributor and team facilitator. His ability to elevate team performance remains evident despite advanced age.
The 2025-26 NBA season represents Westbrook’s 18th year in professional basketball. His current contract with Sacramento spans only one season, creating pressure to demonstrate continued relevance in the league.
Nine-time All-Star recognition underscores Westbrook’s historical impact on the sport. His current market position differs drastically from his peak years, yet his competitive drive appears unchanged.
League insiders suggest Sacramento may represent Westbrook’s primary option for continued NBA participation. His performance this season will directly influence future opportunities and contract negotiations.
Westbrook must prove his effectiveness within Sacramento’s system while managing age-related decline. His stated commitment to playing beyond this season indicates strong motivation to extend his professional career further.
The upcoming campaign serves as a crucial evaluation period for both player and organization.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
