Former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook’s future in the NBA remains a question after the point guard skipped NBA Media Day on Monday.
Westbrook was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in 2008 and started his professional career with the Thunder that same year as Seattle moved the franchise to Oklahoma City. He became a Thunder legend after 11 years with the team, and since leaving, he’s been jumping around from team to team.
Most recently with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook didn’t seem content with his sixth-player role and ultimately declined his $3.4 million player option in June, becoming a free agent. Now, days away from the start of the preseason, Westbrook remains without a team, and many questions emerge.
Is the NBA All-Star, league MVP and All-Rookie’s career done?
Neither Westbrook nor the Thunder has said anything about the 36-year-old returning to the franchise, but in addition to fans mobilizing for his comeback, Westbrook has been spending time in the city.
Sam Presti talks Russell Westbrook investment in OKC
In his preseason press conference, Thunder general manager Sam Presti talked about Westbrook’s continuous efforts to remain active in the OKC community despite no longer being involved in the team.
Earlier this year, Westbrook doubled down on his involvement in OKC’s new stadium district, going from an investor to creative director for the mixed-use development.
“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district — we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” Westbrook said in a comment provided to The Oklahoman in May. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC. I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging — a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”
His job coincides with the development team’s vision to create an environment that can make the district a mix of sports, dining, living, entertainment, film and music. Westbrook also invested $10 million on OKC’s new soccer stadium.
Presti, who’s been the Thunder’s GM since its inaugural season, is happy Westbrook still wants to be part of the community and is confident that more and more players develop a unique connection to Oklahoma City, even after leaving.
“Russell obviously had a good experience here and wants to be part of that. I’m really, really happy about that. I think it’s smart for whoever — for the people that are doing that to have him involved,” Presti said. “But it will set him up well for other endeavors like this whenever he finishes playing.”
Some fans started a petition for his return to the Thunder
Fans have started a petition calling for the OKC Thunder to resign Westbrook, though so far, it only has a couple dozen signatures.
Even with thousands, it’s unlikely that a petition would be enough to sawy the organization or Westbrook, but for these passionate fans, it’s worth a try.
Presti had no mention of bringing Westbrook back to Paycom Center in his press conference. There is a real chance Westbrook does not return for the 2025-26 season, leaving basketball fans heartbroken.
Steve Lackmeyer contributed to this story.