Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 will be retired by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 7, 2027, the team announced Monday. The ceremony at Paycom Center will take place when Oklahoma City hosts the New York Knicks, honoring a player whose longest stay in the NBA was with the Thunder.
Westbrook retired this offseason after 18 years in the league. His career included nine All-Star selections, nine All-NBA selections and the Most Valuable Player award for the 2016-17 season. Eight of his All-Star selections and eight of his All-NBA honors came while he played for Oklahoma City.
Across 821 games with the Thunder, Westbrook averaged 23.0 points, 8.4 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals. His time with the franchise also established a connection with Oklahoma City that extended beyond his performances on the court, with general manager Sam Presti highlighting his contributions to the community in announcing the honor.
“Many players make an impact but only great players leave a legacy,” Presti said in a statement. “Russell Westbrook's legacy was built both on the court and in the community.” Presti also praised Westbrook’s relentless approach and commitment, saying Oklahomans regarded the guard as one of their own.
Oklahoma City traded Westbrook to the Houston Rockets before the 2019-20 season. He subsequently played for Washington, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver and Sacramento. Although he continued to produce on the court, none of those stops lasted two complete seasons, making his later career markedly different from his extended tenure with the Thunder.
The announcement follows questions about whether injuries could prompt Oklahoma City to seek a playing return from the recently retired guard. Jalen Williams suffered a season-ending injury, and Cason Wallace underwent shoulder surgery. Asked about the possibility of bringing Westbrook back during a press conference last week, Presti said he had not considered moves involving the roster spot and was concentrating on supporting the players facing those challenges.
Westbrook’s bond with Thunder supporters grew stronger after Kevin Durant left for the Warriors. Fans embraced Westbrook as a symbol of loyalty, and “Let Westbrook be Westbrook” became a familiar saying during his prime in Oklahoma City. His tenure did not bring the championship he and the fan base sought, but his role in establishing NBA basketball in the city and his community work remain central to the recognition planned for February.
