History of Russell Westbrook in Timeline
Russell Westbrook, an American professional basketball player currently with the Sacramento Kings, is celebrated as one of the NBA's greatest point guards. Renowned for his agility, intensity, and explosiveness, he's a nine-time NBA All-Star and the 2016-17 NBA MVP. A nine-time All-NBA Team member, he has twice led the league in scoring and three times in assists. Westbrook has also been named an NBA All-Star Game MVP twice. He's one of only three players to average a triple-double for a season and has achieved this four times. He is the NBA's all-time leader in career triple-doubles and holds the record for the most career rebounds by a guard. In 2021, Westbrook was honored as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
November 12, 1988: Russell Westbrook III born
On November 12, 1988, Russell Westbrook III was born. He is known for his agility, intensity and explosiveness, and is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
1988: Most triple-doubles since 1988-89 season
On March 22, 2016, Westbrook amassed the most triple-doubles by a player in a season since 1988–89.
May 2004: Death of Khelcey Barrs III
In May 2004, Russell Westbrook's best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, died from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game at the age of 16.
January 6, 2006: Career-best 51 points at Carson
On January 6, 2006, during his senior year, Russell Westbrook registered a career-best 51 points at Carson.
2006: Freshman year at UCLA
In 2006, Russell Westbrook began his freshman year at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), playing as a backup and primarily focusing on defense.
2007: UCLA Final Four Appearance
In 2007, UCLA, with Russell Westbrook on the team, advanced to the Final Four, losing to Florida.
2008: Rookie Season Stats
In 2008, Russell Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in his rookie season.
2008: UCLA Final Four Appearance and NBA Draft entry
In 2008, UCLA, with Russell Westbrook on the team, advanced to the Final Four. After two years at UCLA, Westbrook decided to enter the 2008 NBA draft.
March 2, 2009: First career triple-double
On March 2, 2009, Russell Westbrook recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
2009: Triple-Double Streak
On February 27, 2015, Westbrook became the first player to have three straight triple-doubles since LeBron James did so in 2009.
November 26, 2010: Career-high 43 points
On November 26, 2010, Russell Westbrook scored a then-career-high 43 points against the Indiana Pacers.
2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal
In 2010, Russell Westbrook represented the United States national team and won a gold medal in the FIBA World Championship.
2010: Selection to FIBA World Championship team
In 2010, Russell Westbrook was selected to the FIBA World Championship team in Istanbul, Turkey, where Team USA won its first World Championship since 1994.
2011: Lockout Season Start
Due to the lockout, the 2011–12 NBA season would start on Christmas Day.
2011: First NBA All-Star Game Selection
In 2011, Russell Westbrook was selected as a Western Conference reserve for the NBA All-Star Game for the first time.
January 9, 2012: Signed 5-year extension with Oklahoma City Thunder
On January 9, 2012, Russell Westbrook signed a 5-year, $80 million extension to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder through the 2016–17 season.
March 23, 2012: Career-high 45 points
On March 23, 2012, Russell Westbrook scored a career-high 45 points in a double overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
October 2012: Signing with Jordan Brand
In October 2012, Russell Westbrook signed with the Jordan Brand.
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: Olympics Gold Medal
In 2012, Russell Westbrook represented the United States national team and won a gold medal in the Olympics.
2012: Starting the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation
In 2012, Russell Westbrook started the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which promotes community-based education and family service programs while pushing the younger generation to be self-confident.
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 gold medal.
2012: NBA All-Star Game Selection
Russell Westbrook was selected for the NBA All-Star Game.
April 25, 2013: Knee Injury
On April 25, 2013, in the second game of the series against the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook injured his right knee when Rockets guard Patrick Beverley collided with him.
April 27, 2013: Knee Surgery
On April 27, 2013, Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on his right knee and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.
November 2013: Signing with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs
In November 2013, Russell Westbrook signed with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs.
2013: Right Meniscus tear
In 2013, Russell Westbrook tore his right meniscus.
2013: Second surgery on right knee
Prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, which set back his return to basketball.
February 20, 2014: Return to Lineup After Surgery
On February 20, 2014, Russell Westbrook returned to the lineup after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
May 27, 2014: Playoff Performance
On May 27, 2014, in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, Russell Westbrook recorded 40 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals.
2014: NBA Scoring Leader
In 2014, Russell Westbrook led the league in scoring for the 2014-15 season.
2014: Fractured Hand
In 2014, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand, missing 14 games.
2014: Missed playoffs
In 2014, even though Westbrook helped the Thunder win the team's final two games, they missed the playoffs.
February 4, 2015: Tied Career-High 45 Points
On February 4, 2015, Russell Westbrook tied a career-high 45 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
October 30, 2015: 40 point game
On October 30, 2015, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant each scored 40 points against the Orlando Magic to begin the 2015–16 season.
2015: Named Marketing Creative Director of True Religion
In 2015, Russell Westbrook was named Marketing Creative Director of the denim brand True Religion.
August 4, 2016: Westbrook signs 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 focal point of the team.
2016: Historic 2016-17 season
Following 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: All-Star Game MVP Award
In 2016, Russell Westbrook earned his second All-Star Game MVP award, becoming the first player in All-Star history to win consecutive MVPs outright.
2016: NBA Most Valuable Player Award
In 2016, Russell Westbrook earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) for the 2016–17 season.
2016: Contract Extension
On January 9, 2012, Westbrook signed a contract extension to keep him in Oklahoma City through the 2016-17 season.
June 26, 2017: Westbrook named NBA MVP
On June 26, 2017, Russell Westbrook was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was the first MVP winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since Moses Malone in 1982.
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 started with the 2018–19 season and delivered Westbrook the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at the time, totaling six seasons and $233 million through 2022–23. The contract included a player option for the 2022–23 season.
March 13, 2018: Westbrook Records 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.
September 2018: Westbrook undergoes knee procedure
In September 2018, Russell Westbrook underwent a procedure to address inflammation in his right knee, causing him to miss the preseason and the first two regular season games of the 2018–2019 season.
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 Houston Rockets
On July 16, 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets for All-Star 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 passes Magic Johnson 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: Traded to the Houston Rockets
In 2019, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets, playing one season for the organization.
2019: NBA Season Suspension
In 2019, the 2019–20 NBA season began in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In July, Westbrook tested positive for COVID-19.
January 9, 2020: Westbrook Returns to Oklahoma City
On January 9, 2020, Russell Westbrook returned to Oklahoma City for the first time as a visitor, scoring 34 points in a 113–92 loss.
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 that he and Harden wanted out from the Rockets.
2020: Traded to the Washington Wizards
In 2020, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards.
March 30, 2021: Westbrook Records 30-10-20 Triple-Double
On March 30, 2021, Russell Westbrook recorded 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: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Russell Westbrook was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
In 2021, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
2021: Primetime Emmy nominations
In 2021, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre received three Primetime Emmy nominations.
January 4, 2022: Westbrook Plays Turnover-Free Game
On January 4, 2022, Russell Westbrook had his first game without any turnovers since March 14, 2016, in a 122–114 win over the Sacramento Kings.
April 5, 2022: Lakers Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating the team from obtaining a playoff berth. This was the third season in Westbrook's career in which he missed the playoffs.
August 1, 2022: Westbrook Signs with New Agent
On August 1, 2022, Russell Westbrook signed Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports as his agent after previously severing ties with Thad Foucher of Wasserman in July 2022.
November 2, 2022: Westbrook calls his new role coming off the bench as "'beneficial for everybody'"
On November 2, 2022, CBS Sports reported that Westbrook had described his new role coming off the bench as "'beneficial for everybody'".
2022: Traded to Utah Jazz, signed with Los Angeles Clippers
In 2022, Russell Westbrook was traded to and bought out by the Utah Jazz before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers later in the 2022–23 season.
January 15, 2023: Westbrook Sets 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 in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. This was his fourth career triple-double off the bench, setting a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history.
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 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.
July 2023: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praises Westbrook
In July 2023, Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue praised Russell 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: Wore number 4 jersey
Russell Westbrook wore the number 4 jersey for the first time in the 2023-24 season.
January 1, 2024: Passing Patrick Ewing on all-time scoring list
On January 1, 2024, Russell Westbrook surpassed Patrick Ewing for 25th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
April 26, 2024: Ejection from Playoff Game
On April 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook was ejected from Game Three of the first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks after receiving two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington, contributing to a 101–90 loss.
July 18, 2024: Trade to the 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.
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, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range, in a 124–122 victory over his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2024: Traded to Utah Jazz, signed with Denver Nuggets
In the summer of 2024, Russell Westbrook was again traded to the Utah Jazz and waived preceding his signing with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024–25 season.
January 10, 2025: Triple-double with Jokić
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 in NBA history that the pair recorded multiple triple-doubles in the same season as teammates.
January 2025: Criticism for three-point shooting
As of January 2025, Westbrook has averaged 30.5% on three-point field goal attempts and 3.9 turnovers per game during his career. His three-point shooting and turnovers are sometimes mentioned when pundits criticize his play.
January 2025: Free throw percentage
As of January 2025, Westbrook's free throw percentage has declined in the latter years of his career, dropping from 82.3% to 68.5%.
May 27, 2025: Surgery on right hand
On May 27, 2025, Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on his right hand to repair multiple ligament tears.
October 16, 2025: Signing with the Sacramento Kings
On October 16, 2025, Russell Westbrook signed a one-year, minimum salary contract with the Sacramento Kings.
November 6, 2025: Triple-Doubles record
As of November 6, 2025, Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most regular-season triple-doubles in NBA history with 204.
2025: Signed with Sacramento Kings
For the 2025-26 season, Russell Westbrook signed with the Sacramento Kings.
January 3, 2026: Becoming the point guard with the most career points scored
On January 3, 2026, Russell Westbrook scored 17 points in a 129–102 loss to the Phoenix Suns, surpassing Oscar Robertson to become the point guard with the most career points scored in NBA history and moving into 15th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
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