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 with the Denver Nuggets. Primarily a point guard, he entered the NBA in 2008 and rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six NBA teams throughout his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1988: First player since Magic Johnson in 1988 to record a 30-10-20 triple-double

On March 30, 2021, Westbrook became the first player since Magic Johnson in 1988 to record a 30-10-20 triple-double.

July 5, 2008: Signed 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.

October 2012: Signing with Jordan Brand

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

2012: NBA Finals Appearance

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

2012: Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation Started

In 2012, Russell Westbrook started the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which promotes community-based education and family service programs.

2012: Selection to 2012 Summer Olympic team

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

2012: Played in the 2012 NBA Finals.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook played together in the 2012 NBA Finals, as teammates on the Thunder.

November 2013: Partnerships with Kings and Jaxs & 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.

2015: True Religion Creative Director

In 2015, Russell Westbrook was named Marketing Creative Director of the denim brand True Religion.

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August 4, 2016: Contract Extension with the Thunder

On August 4, 2016, Russell Westbrook signed a three-year, $85.7 million contract extension with the Thunder.

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.

2016: Declined Invitation to 2016 Olympic Team

In 2016, Russell Westbrook declined an invitation to join the Olympic team.

2016: Launch of Honor the Gift

In 2016, Russell Westbrook launched the unisex streetwear brand Honor the Gift.

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

On September 29, 2017, Russell Westbrook signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This deal, starting with the 2018–19 season, made Westbrook the recipient of the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at that time, totaling six seasons and $233 million through 2022–23. The contract included a player option for the 2022–23 season.

2017: Contract Set To Expire

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

2017: Extension with Jordan Brand

In 2017, Russell Westbrook signed a 10-year extension with Jordan Brand.

March 13, 2018: Westbrook records his 100th career 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: Wizards make first playoff appearance since 2018

After defeating the Indiana Pacers in the play-in tournament, Westbrook and Bradley Beal led the Wizards to their first playoff appearance since 2018.

January 10, 2019: Westbrook records 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: Westbrook traded to the 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 makes Rockets debut

On October 24, 2019, Russell Westbrook made his debut for the Houston Rockets in a 117–111 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the team with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.

October 26, 2019: Westbrook becomes 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, surpassing Magic Johnson with a 28-point, 13-assist, and 10-rebound performance in a 126–123 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

2019: Trade to Houston Rockets

In 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets.

January 9, 2020: Westbrook returns to Oklahoma City as a visitor

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

December 2, 2020: Westbrook 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.

2020: Trade to Washington Wizards

In 2020, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards.

March 30, 2021: Westbrook records 35 points, 21 assists, and 14 rebounds

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: Westbrook 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

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

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2021: Trade to Los Angeles Lakers

In 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 4, 2022: Westbrook has first game without turnovers since March 14, 2016

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

November 2, 2022: Westbrook describes new role coming off the bench as beneficial

On November 2, 2022, CBS Sports reported that Westbrook had described his new role coming off the bench as "'beneficial for everybody'".

2022: Joins Los Angeles Clippers

In 2022, Russell Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Clippers after being bought out of his contract with the Utah Jazz.

January 15, 2023: Westbrook sets record for most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history

On January 15, 2023, Russell Westbrook put up 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists off the bench in a 113–112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his fourth career triple-double off the bench and setting a record for the most in NBA history.

February 9, 2023: Westbrook 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: Westbrook signs with the Los Angeles Clippers

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

July 6, 2023: Westbrook re-signs with the Clippers

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

July 2023: Coach Lue praises Westbrook's effort and toughness

In July 2023, Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue praised Westbrook's effort and toughness, saying 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 Los Angeles Clippers

In 2023, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz and bought out of his contract, later joining the Los Angeles Clippers.

2023: Clippers Eliminated by Suns in First Round of Playoffs

In the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round, where they were ultimately eliminated in five games despite Westbrook's strong performance, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.

July 18, 2024: Trade to Utah Jazz

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

July 26, 2024: Signing with Denver Nuggets

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

November 6, 2024: Performance against Oklahoma City Thunder

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.

2024: 17th year in the NBA

Russell Westbrook is currently in his 17th year in the NBA, as of the 2024-25 season.

January 10, 2025: Triple-double vs Brooklyn Nets

On January 10, 2025, Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 124–105 win over the Brooklyn Nets, while his teammate Nikola Jokić also achieved a triple-double, marking the first time they both recorded a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a season.