What Happened to Russell Westbrook III?
Russell Westbrook is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in his 18th NBA season as of March 2026. Known for his explosive athleticism and record-breaking triple-double achievements, Westbrook earned the NBA MVP award in 2017 and holds the all-time record for career triple-doubles. After stints with several teams post-Oklahoma City, he has embraced a veteran leadership role with the Kings, with reports indicating a potential extension beyond the current season.
Quick Answer
As of March 4, 2026, Russell Westbrook is a 37-year-old point guard for the Sacramento Kings, playing in his 18th NBA season. He signed a one-year contract with the Kings for the 2025-26 season and is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Westbrook has taken on a significant veteran leadership role for the Kings' young roster, and there are reports suggesting he may sign another contract with the team in the summer of 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics
Russell Westbrook was selected as the 4th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who would relocate to Oklahoma City six days later to become the Thunder.
First NBA Finals Appearance
Westbrook, alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Miami Heat.
Breaks Single-Season Triple-Double Record
Westbrook recorded his 42nd triple-double of the 2016-17 season, surpassing Oscar Robertson's long-standing record for most triple-doubles in a single NBA season.
Wins NBA MVP Award
After his historic 2016-17 season averaging a triple-double, Russell Westbrook was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player.
Traded to Houston Rockets
Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets, reuniting with former Thunder teammate James Harden.
Traded to Washington Wizards
After one season in Houston, Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards.
Becomes NBA's All-Time Triple-Double Leader
Westbrook recorded his 182nd career triple-double, surpassing Oscar Robertson to become the NBA's all-time leader in career regular-season triple-doubles.
Traded to Los Angeles Lakers
Westbrook was traded to his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers, joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Traded to Utah Jazz, then signs with Clippers
Westbrook was traded from the Lakers to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal. He was subsequently bought out by the Jazz and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Signs with Denver Nuggets
After his stint with the Clippers, Westbrook signed a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season.
Signs with Sacramento Kings
Westbrook signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Sacramento Kings for the 2025-26 NBA season, marking his seventh NBA team.
Reports of Potential Kings Extension
Reports surfaced from ClutchPoints indicating that the Sacramento Kings value Westbrook's leadership and production, making it likely he could sign another contract with the team in the summer of 2026.
Current Status with Sacramento Kings
As of today, Russell Westbrook continues to play for the Sacramento Kings in the 2025-26 season, averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He is a key veteran presence for the team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Russell Westbrook III, born November 12, 1988, has carved out a legendary career in the National Basketball Association, primarily known for his explosive athleticism, relentless intensity, and unparalleled ability to record triple-doubles. Drafted fourth overall in 2008 by the Seattle SuperSonics (which soon became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Westbrook quickly established himself as a dynamic force alongside Kevin Durant. His tenure with the Thunder was marked by numerous individual accolades, including two scoring titles and the historic 2016-17 MVP season where he became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, breaking Oscar Robertson's single-season record with 42 triple-doubles.
Following his MVP campaign and Durant's departure, Westbrook continued to defy expectations, averaging a triple-double for three consecutive seasons. However, the Thunder's playoff struggles led to a series of trades that saw him move to the Houston Rockets (2019-2020), Washington Wizards (2020-2021), and Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2023). While he continued to achieve statistical milestones, including becoming the NBA's all-time leader in career triple-doubles in May 2021, his time with the Lakers was particularly scrutinized due to team performance and fit issues.
After being traded from the Lakers to the Utah Jazz and subsequently bought out, Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2023, where he embraced a sixth-man role and showcased renewed efficiency. He then signed with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games.
As of the 2025-26 NBA season, Russell Westbrook is playing for his seventh NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. He signed a one-year, $3,634,153 contract with the Kings in October 2025. Now 37 years old, Westbrook has transitioned into a crucial veteran leadership role, both on and off the court. He is currently averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game for the Kings. Despite the team's struggles this season, reports from late February 2026 indicate that the Kings value his contributions and professionalism, making it likely he could sign another contract with them in the upcoming summer. He has dealt with minor injuries this season, including thigh, ankle, and foot issues in early 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Russell Westbrook III made different choices?