Kevin Durant wouldn’t let Russell Westbrook’s retirement announcement on Wednesday pass without honoring his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate. Westbrook called time on his 18-year NBA career despite reported interest from the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.
Durant’s heartfelt tribute the following day quickly drew attention across the NBA, with players, analysts, and fans reflecting on the bond the two stars built during their years in Oklahoma City.
Kevin Durant Writes Heartfelt Russell Westbrook Tribute, Draws Emotional Reactions From CJ McCollum, NBA Community
Durant highlighted Westbrook’s relentless work ethic and the way the former UCLA star led “by example once the lights were bright.” He also credited Westbrook with inspiring him and “people from all walks of life.”
The Houston Rockets forward then looked back on some of the memories they shared during their Thunder years.
“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!!” Durant tweeted.
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…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 13, 2026
The two-time NBA Finals MVP closed his message by recognizing Westbrook’s family and the people closest to the nine-time All-Star.
Durant’s tribute quickly went viral, prompting reactions from CJ McCollum and others around the NBA.
“So dope,” McCollum wrote.
So dope 🤝 https://t.co/zy8fCcLHBD
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) August 13, 2026
“Damn, that was a beautiful read,” BrunsonMuse added.
Damn that was a beautiful read. pic.twitter.com/UtyPOWvtYL
— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) August 13, 2026
“This is awesome,” sports analyst Nick Wright applauded.
This is awesome. https://t.co/swAFeE2jGW
— nick wright (@getnickwright) August 13, 2026
“A duo that shaped my childhood,” an X user remarked.
a duo that shaped my childhood pic.twitter.com/sSkL3SRqhD
— A ✩ (@adryanashton) August 13, 2026
“A special era,” Timeless Sports posted.
A special era. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5596gDYIrV
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) August 13, 2026
“That OKC team was so fun to watch… We never know what could have happened if they all could have stayed together, but it’s better to have had that team and seen what they were than to never have had them together at all,” a content creator tweeted.
That OKC team was so fun to watch… We never know what could have happened if they all could have stayed together but it’s better to have had that team and seen what they were than to never have had them together at all.
— EmpireJeff (@EmpireJeffTV) August 13, 2026
The tribute carried extra weight because Durant and Westbrook spent eight seasons together after becoming the foundation of the Thunder.
Durant, the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, joined the Seattle SuperSonics as the franchise’s future centerpiece. Westbrook arrived the following year, shortly before the team relocated to Oklahoma City.
Their partnership quickly transformed the franchise. The Thunder went 23-59 in their first season together before improving to 50-32 the following year and ending a four-year playoff drought.
Over the next several seasons, Oklahoma City emerged as a legitimate championship contender. The Thunder reached the 2012 NBA Finals but fell to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat.
Four years later, Oklahoma City suffered another painful postseason exit, blowing a 3-1 Western Conference finals lead against the Golden State Warriors. Durant left the Thunder that summer and signed with Golden State.
The move changed the relationship between Durant and Westbrook for a time. Their subsequent meetings carried plenty of tension, while Westbrook remained in Oklahoma City and became the new face of the franchise.
The rivalry eventually faded after Westbrook left the Thunder in 2019. He went on to play for the Rockets, Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Kings before announcing his retirement.
For all the twists that followed their Oklahoma City partnership, Durant offered a reminder of what came first. Their years of shared success and setbacks helped define one of the NBA’s most memorable duos.
