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 a professional basketball player renowned for his athleticism and intensity. Playing for the Sacramento Kings, he's considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He is a nine-time All-Star and earned the 2017 NBA MVP award. Westbrook holds the NBA record for career triple-doubles and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He also secured an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. national team in 2012.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 4, 2016: Westbrook Signs 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: Westbrook Named NBA Most Valuable Player

On June 26, 2017, Russell Westbrook received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, marking the first time a player from a team with fewer than 50 wins had won the award since Moses Malone in 1982.

September 29, 2017: Westbrook signs $205 million contract extension

On September 29, 2017, Russell Westbrook signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder, making it the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at the time.

July 16, 2019: Westbrook Traded to Houston Rockets

On July 16, 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange 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: Westbrook Debuts with Rockets

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 seven assists.

January 9, 2020: Westbrook Returns to Oklahoma City as Visitor

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

December 2, 2020: Westbrook Traded to Washington Wizards

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

August 6, 2021: Westbrook Traded to 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, making the Lakers his fourth team in three years.

January 4, 2022: Westbrook Has First Game Without Turnovers Since 2016

On January 4, 2022, Russell Westbrook had his first game without any turnovers since March 14, 2016, in a win against the Sacramento Kings.

August 1, 2022: Westbrook Signs with New Agent

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

November 2, 2022: Westbrook Comments on New Role

On November 2, 2022, Westbrook was quoted by CBS Sports saying that his new role coming off the bench was 'beneficial for everybody'.

January 15, 2023: Westbrook Sets Record for Most Triple-Doubles Off the Bench

On January 15, 2023, Russell Westbrook recorded his fourth career triple-double off the bench, setting a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history, in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

February 9, 2023: Westbrook Traded to 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: Westbrook Signs with Los Angeles Clippers

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

July 2023: Clippers coach praises Westbrook

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