Zach Randolph says Russell Westbrook “might be back” despite the veteran guard announcing his retirement after an 18-year career.
Former Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook hung up his sneakers earlier last month. The decision came as a shock to his NBA fans as well as to former NBA players who have watched him up close, including Patrick Beverley and Zach Randolph.
Beverley and Randolph both agreed on the Out The Mud Podcast that Westbrook has plenty more left in the tank, with Pat Bev saying his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate should have “another 3-4 years at least.” Randolph then added even more intrigue: “I’d like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday, Ray. He might be back.”
Patrick Beverley & Zach Randolph on Russell Westbrook’s retirement
“This man is supposed to be in the league for another 3-4 years at least. I’d like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday Ray. He might be back”. pic.twitter.com/aaWWdVRQrI
— 𝙀𝙧𝙖 (@TheWestbrookEra) September 19, 2026
That’s certainly a tease.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after an 18-year career that included an MVP award, nine All-NBA selections, and the NBA’s all-time triple-double record. While teams like the Kings and Washington Wizards were interested in Westbrook’s services, he decided to just retire.
Westbrook’s decision came after a career that had gradually shifted from superstar centerpiece to veteran role player. Once the 2017 MVP and a perennial All-Star, he had spent his final seasons moving between teams and adjusting to smaller roles.
Westbrook finished his career with 27,176 points, 10,351 assists, and 9,025 rebounds across 1,301 regular-season games. He also averaged a triple-double in four different seasons.
After nearly two decades of playing, Russell Westbrook chose to leave the NBA on his own terms rather than continue searching for another opportunity. But that’s not stopping other former players from believing he could return if the right opportunity arises.
Could Brodie actually reverse course and return? A Miami Heat signing seems unlikely at this point, but never say never.
Editor’s Note: This story initially misattributed the quote in the headline and the body of the article to Patrick Beverley when it was actually said by Zach Randolph. ClutchPoints regrets the error and has corrected the issue.
Former Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook hung up his sneakers earlier last month. The decision came as a shock to his NBA fans as well as to former NBA players who have watched him up close, including Patrick Beverley and Zach Randolph.