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 is a professional basketball player celebrated for his athleticism and competitive drive. He achieved considerable success in the NBA, earning nine All-Star selections, the 2017 MVP award, and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Notably, Westbrook holds the NBA record for career triple-doubles, solidifying his status as one of the league's most dynamic and impactful point guards. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2012, representing the U.S. national team.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: Selected to FIBA World Championship team

In 2010, Russell Westbrook was selected to the FIBA World Championship team in Istanbul, Turkey, where he played a significant role in Team USA winning its first World Championship since 1994.

October 2012: Signing with the Jordan Brand

In October 2012, Russell Westbrook signed with the Jordan Brand and appeared in a commercial with the Jordan Brand and Champs.

2012: Selection to Summer Olympic team

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

November 2013: Signing with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs and PepsiCo

In November 2013, Russell Westbrook signed with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs, stating it was a natural fit due to their fearless and creative approach to style. He also signed with PepsiCo to become the global face of Mountain Dew Kickstart.

August 4, 2016: Westbrook signed contract extension with the Thunder

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

2016: Historic 2016-17 Season

Continuing on from his historic 2016–17 season, Westbrook had a triple-double in the Thunder's season opener against the New York Knicks on October 19.

June 26, 2017: Named NBA Most Valuable Player

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

September 29, 2017: Westbrook signed contract extension with the Thunder

On September 29, 2017, Russell Westbrook signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder, which started in the 2018–19 season. This deal delivered Westbrook the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at the time—six seasons and $233 million through 2022–23, and included a player option for the 2022–23 season.

March 13, 2018: Recorded 100th triple-double

On March 13, 2018, Russell Westbrook recorded 32 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds in a 119–107 win over the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to record 100 triple-doubles.

2018: First Playoff Appearance since 2018

After a loss to the Celtics, Westbrook and Bradley Beal led the Wizards to a win over the Pacers to clinch the last playoff spot and the Wizards' first playoff appearance since 2018.

January 10, 2019: Recorded career-high 24 assists

On January 10, 2019, Russell Westbrook recorded a career-high 24 assists, along with 24 points and 13 rebounds, in a 154–147 double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

July 16, 2019: Traded 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 with the Houston Rockets in a 117–111 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the team with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists.

October 26, 2019: Became second all time in 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 126–123 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 9, 2020: Return to Oklahoma City as a visitor

On January 9, 2020, Russell Westbrook made his return to Oklahoma City as a visitor for the first time, scoring 34 points in a 113–92 loss.

December 2, 2020: Traded to the 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.

March 30, 2021: Recorded 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 132–124 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, marking the third time he was traded and making the Lakers his fourth team in three years.

January 4, 2022: First game without turnovers since March 14, 2016

On January 4, 2022, Russell Westbrook had his first game without turnovers since March 14, 2016, in a 122–114 win over the Sacramento Kings.

July 2022: Severing ties with agent Thad Foucher

In July 2022, Russell Westbrook severed ties with agent Thad Foucher of Wasserman.

August 1, 2022: Signed with Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports

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.

January 15, 2023: Set record for most triple-doubles off the bench

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

February 9, 2023: Traded 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: Signed 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.

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.

2023: Playoff run with the Clippers

In the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round. Despite Russell Westbrook averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in the playoffs, the Clippers were eliminated by the Suns in five games.

July 18, 2024: Traded to the Utah Jazz

On July 18, 2024, Russell Westbrook, along with draft rights to Balša Koprivica, a second-round pick swap, and cash considerations, was traded to the Utah Jazz 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: Scoring 29 points against former team

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