League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

OKC Thunder honors Russell Westbrook after his retirement announcement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 6:37 AM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

OKC Thunder honors Russell Westbrook after his retirement announcement

Summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder acknowledged Russell Westbrook's retirement from basketball on August 12. Following Westbrook's announcement, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti shared a heartfelt message, emphasizing Westbrook's competitive spirit and impact on the team and community. Presti highlighted Westbrook's accomplishments, including his MVP award and status as a leader in career triple-doubles. Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder before moving on to other teams in his 18-year career. His mantra 'Why Not?' was also mentioned as a significant defining trait during his time in the NBA.

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Key Details

•Westbrook announced his retirement on August 12, 2026.
•Presti praised Westbrook's influence on the Thunder and the community.
•Westbrook was a nine-time All-Star and MVP in 2017.
•He is the all-time leader in career triple-doubles.
•Westbrook's mantra 'Why Not?' defines his NBA career.

Latest Updates

6:37 AMYahoo Sports — OKC Thunder Delivers Heartwarming Message To Russell Westbrook

What they're saying

"
The OKC Thunder saw their franchise’s longtime cornerstone Russell Westbrook bid goodbye to the sport on Wednesday. Hours after his announcement on social media, Westbrook received some heartwarming messages from the Thunder organization. In a statement on the official Thunder social media pages, the team’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti, who drafted […] The post OKC Thunder Delivers Heartwarming Message To Russell Westbrook appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Clippers Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail Blazers NBA Basketball

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External links

Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 6:37 AM
OKC Thunder Delivers Heartwarming Message To Russell Westbrook
The OKC Thunder saw their franchise’s longtime cornerstone Russell Westbrook bid goodbye to the sport on Wednesday. Hours after his announcement on social media, Westbrook received some heartwarming messages from the Thunder organization. In a statement on the official Thunder social media pages, the team’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti, who drafted […] The post OKC Thunder Delivers Heartwarming Message To Russell Westbrook appeared first on HEAVY.

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