Russell Westbrook Drops Shocking Retirement Hint After 18 Seasons — What’s Next for the Kings Star?

As the 2025-26 NBA season looms, all eyes are on Russell Westbrook, embarking on his inaugural journey with the Sacramento Kings — marking a staggering 18th year in the league for the seasoned guard. At 36, with the Kings tallying as his seventh NBA stop, whispers naturally swirl: could this be the twilight of “The Brodie’s” storied career? Yet, during a recent Kings practice, Westbrook didn’t just brush off retirement talk—he dismissed it outright with a laugh and a “Yeah, right.” This isn’t a man ready to hang up his sneakers anytime soon. With career stats that boast a 21.2-point average alongside 7 rebounds and 8 assists, Westbrook’s hunger for the game remains palpable. He openly credits his family, the support fans shower him with, and a profound gratitude for health and opportunity as the fuel to keep going— all while savoring the joy basketball still brings him. Though recent seasons have tested him, both physically and mentally, the Kings are betting big on his resilience and skill to ignite their roster once again. And judging by his demeanor, Westbrook is betting even bigger on himself—and the fun ahead. LEARN MORE

The 2025-26 NBA season will be new Kings guard Russell Westbrook’s first campaign in Sacramento and the star’s 18th overall in the league.

So, given that the Kings are Westbrook’s seventh different team and “The Brodie” is 36 years old, it’s fair to wonder if the coming season will be his last.

Westbrook was asked if that’d be the case on Sunday at Kings practice, and he bluntly shut it down.

“Yeah, right,” the former NBA MVP told reporters when asked if he’d retire upon the season’s end.

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The idea of calling it quits isn’t in Westbrook’s DNA.

Instead, the 6-foot-4 guard, with career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists, intends to keep playing for the foreseeable future.

Westbrook followed his frank response by sharing what keeps him going.

“Family,” he said. “My family. My supporters. The ability to be grateful and blessed to be able to wake up and have limbs and things that work, and be able to use them. Using this platform to build other parts of my life and business.

“You know, just the overall fun I have while playing and enjoying the game; I think it’s something I never ever take for granted, and I’m thankful to be able to do that again.”

The last few seasons have been rough for Westbrook.

But the Kings are betting on the veteran to remain a productive player after he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over a promising 75 games a season ago.

And it appears Westbrook is betting on the Kings to help him have fun, as he avoids talk of retirement.

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