Russell Westbrook apparently chose to retire rather than take a smaller role with the Washington Wizards.
Westbrook rocked the basketball world on Wednesday when he announced his retirement from the NBA. He shared the news via a three-minute video commemorating his 18-year career (video here).
The nine-time All-Star wasn’t forced into retirement due to a lack of interest from teams around the league. Two rebuilding teams, the Wizards and Sacramento Kings, reportedly reached out to Westbrook with offers in hand. Westbrook opted to retire instead.
A report from Marc Stein published Sunday shed light on Westbrook’s dealings with the Wizards. According to Stein, Washington presented Russ with a two-year offer that the former MVP “balked” at due to the “specific terms of the offer and/or the role presented.” Westbrook was reportedly the one who ended the negotiations.
Westbrook had a fruitful one-year stint with the Wizards during the 2020-21 campaign when he came to D.C. in the trade that sent John Wall to the Houston Rockets.
Westbrook enjoyed one of his most productive statistical seasons in Washington, posting averages of 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 11.7 assists across 65 games. He even earned himself a few MVP votes that season.
Westbrook wouldn’t have had anywhere near the same usage rate with the Wizards had he signed on for the 2026-27 campaign. The man chose to retire rather than end his career as Trae Young’s backup.
