History of Russell Westbrook in Timeline
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.
1982: First winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since 1982
On June 26, 2017, Russell Westbrook was the first MVP winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since Moses Malone in 1982.
November 12, 1988: Russell Westbrook III born
On November 12, 1988, Russell Westbrook III was born.
1988: Most triple-doubles in a season since 1988
On March 22, Russell Westbrook recorded his 15th triple-double of the season and 34th of his career. It was the most triple-doubles by a player in a season since 1988-89, when Magic Johnson had 17 and Michael Jordan had 15.
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.
1989: Longest triple-double streak since Michael Jordan
On December 9, 2016, Westbrook recorded his seventh straight triple-double. This streak was the longest triple-double streak since Michael Jordan had seven straight triple-doubles in 1989.
May 2004: Death of Khelcey Barrs III
In May 2004, Khelcey Barrs III, Russell Westbrook's best friend, died from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game at age 16. Westbrook wears a "KB3" wristband in his memory.
January 6, 2006: Career-Best 51 Points
On January 6, 2006, Russell Westbrook registered a career-best 51 points at Carson.
2006: Freshman year at UCLA
In 2006, Russell Westbrook started his freshman year at the University of California, Los Angeles.
2007: UCLA Lost to Florida in Final Four
In 2007, UCLA, with Russell Westbrook, advanced to the Final Four but lost to eventual national champion Florida, 76–66.
2008: NBA All-Rookie First Team
In 2008, Russell Westbrook finished fourth in the 2008–09 NBA Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the NBA's NBA All-Rookie First Team.
2008: NBA Debut
In 2008, Russell Westbrook made his NBA debut and became a star as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2008: UCLA Lost to Memphis in Final Four
In 2008, UCLA, with Russell Westbrook, advanced to the Final Four but lost 78–63 to Memphis.
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: First player since LeBron James to have three straight triple-doubles
On February 27, 2015, in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook recorded 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to become 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.
2011: First NBA All-Star Game Selection
In 2011, Russell Westbrook was selected by NBA head coaches to be a Western Conference reserve for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first all-star appearance.
March 23, 2012: Career-High 45 Points
On March 23, 2012, Russell Westbrook scored a career-high 45 points in a 149–140 double overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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: Olympics Gold Medal
In 2012, Russell Westbrook represented the United States national team and won a gold medal in the Olympics.
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: NBA All-Star Game Selection
In the 2012-13 season, Russell Westbrook was selected for the NBA All-Star Game.
2012: Played in the 2012 NBA Finals.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook played together in the 2012 NBA Finals, as teammates on the Thunder.
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 had surgery on his right knee and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.
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.
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, Russell Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, setting back his return to basketball.
February 20, 2014: Return to Lineup
On February 20, 2014, Russell Westbrook returned to the Thunder's lineup after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
May 27, 2014: Game 4 Victory
On May 27, 2014, in a Game 4 victory, Russell Westbrook recorded 40 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals.
2014: Fractured Right Hand
After scoring 38 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand in the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2014-15 season.
2014: NBA Scoring Leader
In 2014, Russell Westbrook led the NBA in scoring for the 2014-15 season.
2014: Thunder miss playoffs
In the 2014-15 NBA season, after Russell Westbrook's amazing performances, the Thunder missed the playoffs, finishing ninth in the West with a 45–37 record.
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 points each with Durant
On October 30, 2015, to begin the 2015–16 season, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant each scored 40 points against the Orlando Magic.
2015: True Religion Creative Director
In 2015, Russell Westbrook was named Marketing Creative Director of the denim brand True Religion.
2015: Misses playoffs for the first time since 2015
The 2021–22 season was the third season in Westbrook's career, and the first since 2015, in which he missed the playoffs.
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: All-Star Game MVP Award
In 2016, Russell Westbrook earned his second All-Star Game MVP award. He recorded 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals, and became 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: Launch of Honor the Gift
In 2016, Russell Westbrook launched the unisex streetwear brand Honor the Gift.
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.
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.
2017: NBA Rule Change Impact
In 2017, an NBA rule change, restricting movement between free throws, impacted Russell Westbrook's free throw routine and percentage.
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.
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.
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.
2019: NBA season suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic
In March 2020, the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season began 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 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: Westbrook receives criticism for play quality
As his first season with the Lakers progressed, Westbrook received criticism for his perceived poor quality of play relative to the Lakers' 2020 championship season.
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.
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.
April 5, 2022: Lakers eliminated from playoff contention
On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating them from obtaining a playoff berth.
August 1, 2022: Westbrook signs with Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports
On August 1, 2022, after severing ties with agent Thad Foucher, Westbrook signed Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports as his agent.
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.
April 26, 2024: Ejection from Playoff Game
On April 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook was ejected from Game Three of the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks after receiving two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington during the 101-90 loss.
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.
January 2025: Decline in Free Throw Percentage
As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook's free throw percentage has declined in the latter years of his career.
January 2025: Criticisms and Praises
As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook's three-point shooting and turnovers are points of criticism, while teammates praise his leadership and work ethic.
January 22, 2025: Most Triple-Doubles in NBA History
As of January 22, 2025, Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most regular-season triple-doubles in NBA history, with 202.
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