Kevin Durant just spoke his mind on Russell Westbrook’s retirement, and it hits different for us in the Emerald City. KD called it “shocking” that his former teammate decided to step away this offseason, admitting he thought Westbrook “could still play” and would have been a “good veteran presence in the locker room.” It’s a gut punch when one of the legends you watched for years finally calls it quits, especially when reports say Westbrook even had offers from teams like the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings for the 2026-27 season. He chose to walk away, making it even more surprising for everyone, including Durant.
That Deep Connection, From Seattle to OKC
Durant’s reaction makes total sense when you remember their history. He said, “It just hit me, man, that’s one of the first dudes you come in with and you were around every day to finally step out.” Think about it: Durant played his rookie season right here with the Seattle SuperSonics before the team moved. Then, in OKC, Westbrook arrived for his rookie year, and they became a tandem that dragged the Oklahoma City Thunder into basketball relevance. We’re talking four Western Conference Finals appearances and one NBA Finals trip during their eight seasons together. They were consistently among the league’s elite, even if that championship ultimately eluded them. It’s a shared journey that forged a bond you just don’t forget.
Respect After All These Years
We all know the story. Durant eventually bolted for the Golden State Warriors, snagging his two championships with Stephen Curry. That move sparked a ton of public scrutiny about his relationship with Westbrook. But now, reflecting on Westbrook’s retirement, Durant has nothing but respect and admiration. He’s appreciating “all the time spent,” knowing Westbrook is “doing a lot off the court too.” It’s a reminder that even after all the drama and the split, some connections run deeper than the game itself.
It’s a huge moment when a player of Westbrook’s caliber decides to call it a career, especially when he reportedly still had options. For Durant, it’s about seeing a peer and former running mate step into a new chapter. For us fans, it’s a chance to look back at an incredible era of basketball and appreciate the ride, knowing a true legend is moving on to whatever’s next. We’ll be watching to see what Russell Westbrook does off the court, because if his playing career is any indication, it’s gonna be something big.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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