NBA Durant Post Emotional Tribute to Westbrook, Fan Say: "You Can't Write This Mush Without a Real Bond"

After Russell Westbrook officially announced his retirement from the NBA, former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant shared a lengthy and emotional tribute on social media, reflecting on their years together and the impact Westbrook had on his career and on people around him.

The heartfelt message stood out because of the complicated history between Durant and Westbrook following Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City in 2016.

The post quickly drew widespread attention from fans, many commenting that the message showed a deep personal connection between the two stars.

“I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks: ‘Which is harder, getting extra work in after practice or before practice?’” Durant wrote. “I asked because by the time I arrived at the gym, Russ had usually already finished his morning workout, while I preferred staying after practice to get my shots up. Mo said coming in before practice was probably harder, and from that point on, it became part of my routine.”

Durant, now 37, said many people only saw Westbrook’s intense and emotional side during games.

“People see the emotion on the court and think Russ is loud and flashy,” Durant wrote. “But to me, he was actually quiet and very organized. He led through his actions, and when the lights came on, he released all that emotion and played with complete freedom. As a teammate, watching that was incredibly inspiring.”

He added that Westbrook influenced people far beyond basketball.

“Wherever I go, I see people from all walks of life who were inspired by him. The craziest part is that he didn’t have to say much. He just kept showing up, over and over again.”

Durant also reflected on the sacrifices of an 18-year NBA career.

“For us professional basketball players, this journey is sacred,” he wrote. “Some people look back and wish they had done certain things with more focus and purpose. Others can clap for themselves and feel fulfilled by the time they gave to the game. Which one will you be?”

Westbrook wore No. 0 for most of his career, and Durant referenced the significance of that number.

“We all know what ‘0’ represented, and we know how much he sacrificed to become who he is,” Durant wrote. “Champion, keep inspiring people in the next stage of your life. No matter what happens from here, nobody can erase what already happened.”

The former MVP also looked back on their early Thunder years together.

“We were just young guys in our early 20s, making the Finals, making All-Star teams, watching each other get hurt and get back up again,” Durant wrote. “The bus rides, the flights, the card games, the jokes, the arguments — all of it is unforgettable.”

Durant ended the tribute by extending his congratulations and love to the entire Westbrook family, including his wife Nina, their children, his parents, and everyone who was part of his journey from Leuzinger High School to UCLA and the NBA.

“Congratulations on a legendary career,” Durant concluded.

The heartfelt message stood out because of the complicated history between Durant and Westbrook following Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City in 2016. Many fans viewed the tribute as a sign that, despite years of tension and criticism, the bond formed during their Thunder years still remains strong.