Dec 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) hug after the game at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) hug after the game at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The 2026 NBA offseason has been one for the history books in more ways than one. Besides star movement across the league, this summer also spelled the end for NBA legend Russell Westbrook. After 18 years in the league, he finally decided to call it quits, concluding an iconic and historic career.
The announcement sparked a wave of reactions across the NBA, including from Westbrook’s former teammate, Kevin Durant. The two haven’t played together since 2016, but their mutual respect holds strong to this day. So when Durant heard of Russ’ retirement, he took to social media to post a long, spirited message.
“I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, ‘What’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?’ I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah, to me, he was quiet and methodical. He leads by example, and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom,” wrote Durant on X. ‘It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years.”
Durant began the post with a memory from his early days on the Thunder, recalling how he was always putting in the work. Unlike some players, Durant says Westbrook set the example with both his words and his actions, inspiring teammates to raise their own standards.
Reflecting on his own history with Westbrook, KD admits it wasn’t always smooth sailing, but he has no regrets. Despite their split, what the duo accomplished will never be erased, and it deserves to be celebrated. Because when the Thunder were still considered an afterthought in the West, they led the franchise to the NBA Finals and set a standard for greatness that was unmatched for years.
“This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals; what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent, and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who you gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life, champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, All-Star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from Luezinger High and UCLA and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on an iconic career.”
As a nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and future Hall of Famer with averages of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 42.7% shooting from the field, Westbrook’s resume speaks for itself. Even so, there will always be guys like Durant ready to defend his legacy and remind the world just how special he was.
As for why Durant left Westbrook all those years ago, we may never know the full story. Kevin wanted championships, and he likely felt his odds were better with the team that just won 73 regular-season games. Regardless of how it ended, Kevin Durant still has immense love and respect for his former teammate, and their partnership will not be easily forgotten.