Russell Westbrook is retiring from the NBA at 37, turning down offseason opportunities to extend a career that spanned 18 seasons and seven teams.
The former MVP announced the decision Wednesday on social media with a video narrated by Michael B. Jordan.
“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook wrote. “You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
Westbrook had opportunities to continue playing with the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards but chose to leave the game on his own terms, according to ESPN.
The No. 4 pick in the 2008 NBA draft spent 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and became one of the franchise’s defining players. Alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, he helped Oklahoma City reach the 2012 NBA Finals.
Westbrook reached another level during the 2016-17 season, averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists to win MVP. He became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double for an entire season.
He retires as the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles with 209 and ranks fifth all-time in assists.
“Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said.
Westbrook spent his final season with Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds.
