The Oklahoma City Thunder made the Russell Westbrook trade official on Tuesday, with fans saying goodbye to the 30-year-old who spent his entire 11-year NBA career thus far with the Thunder.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball under pressure form Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) in the second quarter during game six of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Nuggets fans outraged at refs for allowing Thunder to maul Nikola Jokic
May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
3 reasons Timberwolves will upset Thunder in Western Conference Finals

OKC general manager Sam Presti had some words of praise for the departing Westbrook too. Presti has been with the organization since its relocation from Seattle, and he drafted Westbrook fourth overall in 2008 shortly before the organization officially moved to Oklahoma City.

“Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Presti said, via NBA.com. “He has left an indelible mark on this team, city and state. None of us could have anticipated the player he has become, and we are all deeply proud of what he has contributed to the success of the franchise and to our community. Russell and his wife Nina, their three children, his brother and his parents will always remain part of the Thunder family. We wish them nothing but happiness and success in the future.”

During his tenure with the Thunder, Westbrook totaled 18,859 points, 5,760 rebounds and 6,897 assists. Including the Seattle SuperSonics franchise leaders, Westbrook ranks fourth in games played, second in minutes played, third in rebounds, second in assists and first in points scored — surpassing Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton this past season.

The Thunder traded Westbrook to the Rockets for 34-year-old point guard Chris Paul, two first-round picks and pick swap rights.

It marks the end of an era for OKC's initial boon in the NBA after James Harden, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and now Westbrook have all moved on.