Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Russell Westbrook

Discover the career path of Russell Westbrook, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player currently playing point guard for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He entered the NBA in 2008 and rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six NBA teams during his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 5, 2008: Signing with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 5, 2008, Russell Westbrook signed with the Seattle SuperSonics, which then relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder six days later.

2008: NBA Debut

In 2008, Russell Westbrook made his NBA debut and became a star as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2008: NBA Draft and Relocation

In 2008, Russell Westbrook was selected with the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who then relocated to Oklahoma City that same week.

2008: UCLA Lost to Memphis in Final Four and NBA Draft

In 2008, UCLA, with Westbrook on the team, lost to Memphis 78–63 in the Final Four. After two years at UCLA, Westbrook decided to enter the 2008 NBA draft.

October 2012: Signing with the Jordan Brand

In October 2012, Russell Westbrook signed with the Jordan Brand, and his first commercial was with the Jordan Brand and Champs.

2012: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2012, Russell Westbrook appeared in the NBA Finals as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing to the Miami Heat.

2012: Selection to 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, Russell Westbrook was selected to play for the Summer Olympic team in London, where he won a second gold medal.

November 2013: Partnership with Kings and Jaxs and PepsiCo

In November 2013, Russell Westbrook signed with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs and with PepsiCo to become the global face of Mountain Dew Kickstart.

August 4, 2016: Contract Extension with Thunder

On August 4, 2016, Russell Westbrook signed a three-year, $85.7 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the focal point of the team.

June 26, 2017: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

On June 26, 2017, Russell Westbrook was named the recipient of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, making him the first winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since Moses Malone in 1982.

September 29, 2017: Contract Extension with the Thunder

On September 29, 2017, Russell Westbrook signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder, the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at the time, spanning six seasons and $233 million through 2022–23 and included a player option for the 2022–23 season.

2017: Contract Expiration

Following the departure of Kevin Durant, trade speculation began swirling around Westbrook, whose contract was set to expire in 2017.

March 13, 2018: 100th Triple-Double

On March 13, 2018, Russell Westbrook recorded 32 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds in a win against the Atlanta Hawks, marking his 100th career triple-double and making him the fourth player in NBA history to reach this milestone.

July 16, 2019: Trade to the Houston Rockets

On July 16, 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul, two protected first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps, reuniting him with former Thunder teammate James Harden.

October 24, 2019: Rockets Debut

On October 24, 2019, Russell Westbrook made his debut for the Houston Rockets in a loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the team with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.

October 26, 2019: Second All-Time Career Triple-Doubles

On October 26, 2019, in his second game as a Rocket, Russell Westbrook became second all time in career triple-doubles, passing Magic Johnson, with a 28-point, 13-assist and 10-rebound performance in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

2019: Trade to Houston Rockets

In 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets, playing one season for the organization.

January 9, 2020: Return to Oklahoma City

On January 9, 2020, Russell Westbrook returned to Oklahoma City as a visitor for the first time, scoring 34 points in a loss.

December 2, 2020: Traded to the Washington Wizards

On December 2, 2020, amid rumors of unhappiness with the Rockets, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a 2023 lottery-protected first-round draft pick.

2020: Trade to Washington Wizards

In 2020, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards after playing one season for the Houston Rockets.

March 30, 2021: 30-10-20 Triple-Double

On March 30, 2021, Russell Westbrook became the first player since Magic Johnson in 1988 to record a 30–10–20 triple-double with 35 points, a then-season-high 21 assists, plus 14 rebounds, in a win over the Indiana Pacers.

August 6, 2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 6, 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson.

2021: Production Debut and Autobiographical Documentary

In 2021, Russell Westbrook made his production debut with Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre and also produced his autobiographical documentary, Passion Play: Russell Westbrook, which debuted on Showtime.

Loading Video...

2021: Trade to Los Angeles Lakers

In 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers after a season in Washington.

April 5, 2022: Lakers Eliminated from Playoffs

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating them from obtaining a playoff berth. This was the third season in Westbrook's career (and the first since 2015) in which he missed the playoffs.

August 1, 2022: Signed Jeff Schwartz as Agent

On August 1, 2022, Russell Westbrook signed Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports as his agent after severing ties with Thad Foucher of Wasserman in July 2022.

November 2, 2022: Role Change

On November 2, 2022, Russell Westbrook described his new role coming off the bench as "'beneficial for everybody'" according to CBS Sports.

2022: Season with the Los Angeles Clippers

In the 2022-23 season, Russell Westbrook played for the Los Angeles Clippers after being bought out of his contract with the Utah Jazz.

January 15, 2023: Triple-Double Off the Bench

On January 15, 2023, Russell Westbrook recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists off the bench, marking his fourth career triple-double off the bench and setting a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history.

February 9, 2023: Trade to the Utah Jazz

On February 9, 2023, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 22, 2023: Signs with the Los Angeles Clippers

On February 22, 2023, Russell Westbrook signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, reuniting with his former Thunder teammate Paul George and became a starter.

July 6, 2023: Re-signing with the Clippers

On July 6, 2023, Russell Westbrook re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $7.8 million contract.

July 2023: Praise from Coach Tyronn Lue

In July 2023, Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue praised Russell Westbrook's effort and toughness, noting that Westbrook had "saved" the Clippers during the final 20 games of the regular season following injuries to Paul George and others.

2023: Trade to Utah Jazz and Joining the Clippers

In 2023, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz and was bought out of his contract, subsequently joining the Los Angeles Clippers later in the 2022–23 season.

July 18, 2024: Trade to Utah Jazz

On July 18, 2024, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz along with the draft rights to Balša Koprivica, a second-round pick swap, and cash considerations in exchange for Kris Dunn.

July 26, 2024: Signing with the Denver Nuggets

On July 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets.

November 6, 2024: Performance Against Former Team

On November 6, 2024, Russell Westbrook scored 29 points with six rebounds and six assists in a 124–122 win over his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.