“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over,” Russell Westbrook wrote on Wednesday to announce his retirement from the NBA.
After 18 seasons, the former MVP decided to hang up his jersey despite reported interest from the Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings, the team he played for last season. Westbrook’s decision to move on from basketball rather than sign with either team drew instant reactions from the NBA world.
NBA Community Reacts to Russell Westbrook’s Retirement Amid Interest From Kings, Wizards
The 37-year-old point guard showed last season that he still had enough left in the tank to be a contributor. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, becoming one of the Kings’ more productive players despite taking on a complementary role.
Sacramento and Washington reportedly had interest in signing Westbrook, but the nine-time All-Star chose retirement instead.
“Understandable, King. Go out with some dignity,” Ball Knowers posted.
Understandable king. Go out with some dignity
— Ball Knowers (@BallKnowerSquad) August 12, 2026
“He’d rather retire than play for the Wizards or Kings,” an X user wrote.
He’d rather retire than play for the Wizards or Kings 😭
— Huggy (@DeyLuvHuggy) August 12, 2026
“Kings and Wizards? What is this Dungeons and Dragons?” another X user added.
Kings and Wizards? What is this Dungeons and dragons?: pic.twitter.com/1MtGDEtTRC
— Sooosolid (@sooosolid) August 12, 2026
“Honestly, I feel a lil better lol. My boy left on his own terms; he ain’t get pushed out the league,” an NBA observer noted.
Honestly I feel a lil better lol. My boy left on his own terms he ain’t get pushed out the league
— 🛸🔭🧑🚀 Pluto (@Brazo4444) August 12, 2026
“He should’ve gone to the Wizards, bro, they easily could’ve made the play-in,” a Boston Celtics fan contended.
He should’ve gone to the wizards bro, they easily could’ve made the play-in
— Celtics Forever☘️☘️☘️ (@TatumOwnsLeBum) August 12, 2026
“I would’ve loved to see him with that Wizards team,” another NBA observer tweeted.
I would’ve loved to see him with with that Wizards team
— 🖤 (@_Waynee_) August 12, 2026
Regardless of which team Westbrook could’ve chosen, another NBA season likely would have meant an even smaller role for the veteran guard.
“The Kings had discussions with Westbrook about bringing him back in recent weeks, league sources said, but it would’ve been in a reduced role as the organization turned its direction over to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.,” NBA insider Anthony Slater reported.
A return to Washington presented another intriguing possibility for Westbrook. The Wizards have built a roster featuring veterans Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Khris Middleton, alongside a group of young prospects.
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However, Young and youthful talents Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and this year’s No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, would have left Westbrook competing for a limited role on the perimeter.
Rather than accept another season in a reduced capacity, Westbrook chose to walk away. After 18 seasons, the electric guard leaves the NBA on his own terms, closing a career defined by triple-doubles, perennial All-Star selections, an MVP award, and an unmistakable presence on the court.
