Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook spent the first portion of their careers linked together with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Durant paid tribute to his former teammate Thursday after Westbrook announced his retirement.
Durant made a lengthy statement on social media about Westbrook’s decision to call it a career. Durant congratulated Westbrook on an “iconic” career and recognized just how hard he worked. He also briefly acknowledged their various rough patches over the course of their careers.
“A lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical,” Durant wrote. “He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. 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.
“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 u 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!!”
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
Westbrook and Durant had a famously complicated relationship, particularly after Durant left Oklahoma City to join the Golden State Warriors. They seem to be doing better these days, though nobody would describe them as particularly close.
Westbrook on Wednesday announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons. The first eight of those seasons were spent as Durant’s teammate in Oklahoma City.
