Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) celebrates with Western Conference guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) during the second half of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook shocked the NBA world after announcing their retirements. Though both of their careers ended differently, the duo is having a great time away from the basketball court.
Paul has been documenting his post-retirement time on his social media account. The former superstar point guard recently shared a carousel of 12 images on his Instagram.
“Lots to celebrate 🙏🏾,” he captioned the post.
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Westbrook also commented on the post and wrote, “What a time my brother!!”
The former NBA stars once competed on the court for about a decade. But things look different from what they were in the 2010s. Their careers became directly intertwined when they were traded for each other in a blockbuster deal between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Now the former rivals seem to put all of that to rest.
Paul retired from the league midseason after his fallout with the Los Angeles Clippers. Following a disappointing 5-16 start, tensions arose regarding his role and playing time. On December 3, 2025, the team sent him home from a road trip and announced they were parting ways.
The Clippers kept him on the roster until trading him to the Toronto Raptors near the trade deadline. The Raptors subsequently waived him, prompting Paul to officially announce his retirement on February 13, 2026.
Westbrook, on the other hand, chose to retire on his own terms after receiving unappealing offers during free agency rather than accept a reduced or unsuitable role.
He turned down a two-year contract offer from the Washington Wizards and also drew exploratory interest from the Sacramento Kings for a veteran mentorship role, but ultimately walked away instead.