Kevin Durant Wished Russell Westbrook Played 5 or 6 More Years

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook formed one of the most fearsome duos in the NBA in the 2010s. Durant was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics, which later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, as the number two pick in 2007, while Westbrook was drafted by the Thunder as the fourth pick in the following year.

The two stars achieved success together at a very young age. They reached the Western Conference Finals in 2011 and went on to reach the NBA Finals in 2012. They led the Thunder to two more Western Conference Finals in 2014 and 2016 before Durant left to join the Golden State Warriors as a free agent.

They spent eight seasons together and became one of the league’s most memorable duos. During this period, Durant won the 2014 MVP award, while Westbrook established himself as one of the NBA’s premier point guards.

Several reports said Durant left because he believed he couldn’t win a championship alongside Westbrook. After parting ways, Durant went on to win two championships in Golden State. However, Westbrook never won one.

While rumors circulated about a rift between the two after Durant’s exit, the two-time champion has often shown support for his former teammate. After the 2025-26 campaign, Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA.

Durant was one of the first players to pay tribute to the 2017 MVP winner. Speaking during the Houston Rockets’ NBA China Games media availability, Durant reflected on Westbrook’s decision to walk away from the NBA.

I was a little sad. I still thought Russ had five or six more years left. He’s an athletic body that can still impact the game positively but sometimes people at that point where they just wanna step away and do something different. So, congrats to him on an iconic career.

Kevin Durant in his press conference

KD says Russ could’ve played 6 more years “I was a little sad. I thought Russ still had 5 or 6 more years left. He’s an athletic body that can still impact the game positively. Congrats to him on an iconic career.” (@TheWestbrookEra / @Fullcourtpass ) https://t.co/UHhKLEA8IK

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2026

Russell Westbrook may have never delivered a championship to the Thunder, but he will forever be remembered as a legend of the franchise. After 18 seasons in the NBA, he decided it was time to hang up his boots.

However, Kevin Durant believed he had a few more years left and was surprised by his decision to retire. Westbrook showed flashes of productivity last season with the Sacramento Kings. He averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 64 appearances.

Fans react to Kevin Durant ‘sad’ admission about Russell Westbrook’s retirement

Russell Westbrook’s retirement did catch many by surprise. One reason was that multiple teams were reportedly interested in signing him as a free agent after his stint with the Kings ended.

Following Kevin Durant’s comments, fans took to social media to react to them.

@TheDunkCentral @TheWestbrookEra @Fullcourtpass 5 or 6 years might be pushing it, but Russ averaged 15 points and 7 assists last season. He retired because he wanted to, not because he couldn’t play anymore.

— Clutch Numbers (@ClutchNumbers) October 9, 2026

@TheDunkCentral @TheWestbrookEra @Fullcourtpass Lol I know KD doesn’t believe ts. That’s just a good PR answer

— Huggy (@DeyLuvHuggy) October 9, 2026

@TheDunkCentral @TheWestbrookEra @Fullcourtpass Averaging a triple-double for a whole season FOUR times is insane — Russ changed what we thought a point guard could do. First ballot, no debate 👀

— Battle Rap Originals (@BattleRapOrigin) October 9, 2026

@TheDunkCentral @TheWestbrookEra @Fullcourtpass The nba retired him. NBA doesn’t like vets one of the reasons the league suffers now. He’s a guy a lot of young players could’ve benefited learning from. I think the NBA should add 1-2 roster spots per team. Need vets.

— Jacob (@jacob_bbbbbb) October 10, 2026

@TheDunkCentral @TheWestbrookEra @Fullcourtpass 5-6 is a stretch. 2-3 more years top

— Jay (@JayTheGreat305) October 9, 2026

@TheDunkCentral I mean there’s really only 2 things left to add to his basketball resumé as a player. He is clearly capable of still playing for some time, but atp he can impact the game in so many more ways off the court than on it that it’s like WHY NOT? 🏁

— benjabeast (@xbenjabeast) October 10, 2026

@TheWestbrookEra He’s right too, even if Russ doesn’t wanna score he can just play a Mike Conley 10x role with assists and rebounds

— Russ’ TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) October 9, 2026

@TheWestbrookEra Russ surprised me too

— Tyler_Herro 🍓🏀⚽🏈 (@BookerrNella) October 9, 2026

While many fans agreed with Kevin Durant’s comments that Russell Westbrook could have continued to play a few more years, they believe that he may have had a couple of more years left in him at best. However, it looks like the 37-year-old has come to terms with his decision as he enjoys his retirement life.

Kevin Durant reflects on nearing Kobe Bryant’s place on the all-time scoring list

Kevin Durant has completed 18 seasons in the NBA. Over his career, he has established himself as one of the greatest pure scorers the game has ever seen. To back it up, he has four scoring titles to his name and went past Michael Jordan in the All-Time scoring list last season.

Currently fifth on the list, Durant is closing in on Kobe Bryant for the No. 4 spot.

It would mean a lot. Being in the company of greats is always amazing. It shows how long you have to play, how consistent you have to be. It’s a milestone that speaks on the consistency of me as a player. To be amongst the names that I’m around is surreal, it’s hard to put into words.

Kevin Durant in his press conference

I asked Kevin Durant what it will mean to him to pass Kobe Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list this season: “It would mean a lot. Being in the company of greats is always amazing. It shows how long you have to play, how consistent you have to be. It’s a milestone that speaks on the consistency of me as a player. To be amongst the names that I’m around is surreal, it’s hard to put into words”

— Damien Peters (@DamienPetersNBA) October 9, 2026

Durant is 1046 points behind Bryant for the fourth spot. After averaging 26 points per game last season, it is very likely he will overtake Bryant in the 2026-27 campaign.

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