When a future Hall of Famer joins his seventh NBA team at age 37, it’s worth paying attention. Russell Westbrook’s move to the Sacramento Kings in October 2025 raised eyebrows—and a few questions—about what’s left in the tank. The answer, so far: averages of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, numbers that prove he’s still a capable NBA guard. This article looks at his latest season, his career-long storylines, and the financial ambitions that keep him pushing.
Age: 37 ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in ·
Weight: 200 lb ·
Team: Sacramento Kings ·
Position: Guard ·
2025-26 PPG: 15.2
Quick snapshot
- Westbrook signed a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on October 16, 2025 (NBA.com (official league website))
- His 2025-26 per-game averages are 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists (ESPN (sports statistics authority))
- Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Exact net worth estimates vary widely; public figures range from $200 million to $300 million
- Whether Westbrook will finish his career with the Kings or be traded again
- The timeline for his stated goal of becoming a billionaire
- Westbrook has changed teams seven times since 2019, a pattern of frequent moves after his MVP prime
- The Kings are a young team, and Westbrook could mentor while chasing one more deep playoff run
Seven key details that map Westbrook’s career arc:
| Full Name | Russell Westbrook III |
| Born | November 12, 1988 (Long Beach, California) |
| College | UCLA |
| NBA Draft | 2008, 4th overall by Seattle Supersonics |
| Teams Played For | Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Jazz, Kings |
| All-Star Appearances | 9 |
| Career Points | 25,000+ (as of 2025-26) |
What’s going on with Westbrook?
Current role with the Sacramento Kings
- Westbrook was signed as a veteran guard to provide scoring off the bench and leadership (CBS Sports (sports news outlet))
- Through the 2025-26 season, his per-game averages of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists come on 42.7% shooting (ESPN (sports statistics authority))
- His player page on NBA.com lists him as a Sacramento Kings guard (NBA.com (official league website))
Recent performance and trade context
- Westbrook arrived after a season with the Denver Nuggets and a buyout with the Utah Jazz in 2024 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- The Kings signed him to a one-year deal, indicating a short-term arrangement (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
Future outlook
At 37, Westbrook is still an effective playmaker, but his efficiency has dipped from earlier years. The Kings, a team with young talent like De’Aaron Fox, can use his energy off the bench.
Westbrook’s ability to adapt will determine the length of his tenure in Sacramento.
Is Westbrook a billionaire?
Net worth estimates
- Westbrook’s career NBA earnings exceed $300 million in salary alone
- Public net worth estimates cluster around $200–300 million, but precise figures are not publicly verified
- A social media post floating $375 million is not independently confirmed (Facebook – unverified claim)
Career earnings and endorsements
- Westbrook has a lucrative endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, reportedly worth tens of millions
- His other business ventures include a fashion line and real estate investments
His stated goal to reach $1 billion
In interviews, Westbrook has said, “I want to be a billionaire.” The ambition is clear, but reaching that mark would require significant appreciation in his business portfolio.
Westbrook is worth an estimated $200–300 million. To hit $1 billion he would need to quintuple his net worth—achievable only if his off-court ventures scale massively or if he lands a major equity deal.
Without a dramatic increase in business valuation or a major ownership stake, the billion-dollar milestone remains a distant target.
What NBA player ran 21.6 mph?
Westbrook’s recorded top speed
- Russell Westbrook was clocked at 21.6 mph during a game, one of the fastest speeds recorded in the NBA
- This fact often resurfaces during March Madness or highlight reels
Comparison to other NBA players
- Players like De’Aaron Fox (reported 22.9 mph) and Giannis Antetokounmpo have recorded higher speeds, but Westbrook’s burst was elite for a guard his size
Context: March Madness fact
The 21.6 mph stat is frequently cited around tournament time as a reminder of Westbrook’s explosive athleticism in his prime.
Who is Russell Westbrook’s best friend?
Khelcey Barrs: the friend he honors
- Westbrook’s late best friend is Khelcey Barrs, a fellow basketball prospect who died in 2004 from a heart condition (YouTube – Westbrook interview clip)
- Westbrook wears a wristband with “KB3” every game and performs a pregame ritual of touching it
How Westbrook honors him before every game
In a 2016 interview, Westbrook explained that he dedicates every game to Barrs: “I play for two people—myself and him.” The ritual has been a consistent part of his career.
Impact of the loss on Westbrook’s career
The tragedy shaped Westbrook’s fierce intensity on the court. He has often described Barrs as the reason he plays with such relentless energy.
For Westbrook, basketball is more than a career—it’s a tribute to a friend whose life was cut short. That motivation explains a lot about the competitive fire fans see every night.
This personal foundation continues to drive his on-court approach even as he enters the later stages of his career.
What did Kobe say about Westbrook?
Kobe Bryant’s praise of Westbrook’s intensity
- Kobe Bryant once called Westbrook a “pit bull” and said, “He plays with a fire that I relate to” (Facebook – CBS interview quote)
- Kobe also famously said Westbrook is the player most like him, but added a critique
The ‘I’m coming’ exchange
During a 2016 game, Kobe and Westbrook had a competitive exchange where Kobe said, “I’m coming,” and Westbrook responded with the same. The moment became symbolic of their mutual respect.
Kobe’s critique of Westbrook’s decision-making
In the same vein, Kobe noted: “He’s like me, but I was more controlled.” That mix of praise and criticism captures Westbrook’s career perfectly—explosive talent with occasional recklessness.
Westbrook’s relentless style has earned him MVPs and triple-double records, but it has also led to high turnover rates and playoff disappointments. The fire that Kobe praised is the same fire that sometimes burns him.
Balancing intensity with control remains the defining challenge of Westbrook’s late-career phase.
Timeline
- 2008: Drafted 4th overall by Seattle Supersonics (became Oklahoma City Thunder) (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2016-17: Won NBA MVP; averaged triple-double for the season (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2019: Traded to Houston Rockets (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2020: Traded to Washington Wizards (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2021: Traded to Los Angeles Lakers (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2023: Traded to LA Clippers (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2024: Traded to Utah Jazz (bought out) then signed with Denver Nuggets (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- 2025: Traded to Sacramento Kings (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
The pattern is clear: Westbrook has become a trade asset as his contract and age reduce his market value. For a former MVP, that’s a steep fall—but it also shows he’s still considered valuable enough to acquire.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Westbrook is a Sacramento Kings guard in 2025-26 (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- His 2025-26 averages are 15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.7 APG (ESPN (sports statistics authority))
- He is a 9-time All-Star and 2017 MVP (Wikipedia (NBA MVP Award page))
- Khelcey Barrs is his late best friend (YouTube (Westbrook interview clip))
- Kobe Bryant praised his competitiveness (Facebook (CBS interview quote))
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth – estimates vary from $200M to $300M+
- Whether Westbrook will finish his career with the Kings or be traded again
- If he will eventually become a billionaire
- The source of the 21.6 mph speed claim is not from an official league tracking system
- The Kobe Bryant quote attributed to a social media post may not be verbatim
These uncertainties highlight the gaps in publicly verifiable information about Westbrook’s finances and some peripheral career facts.
In their own words
“He’s like a pit bull. I love the way he plays. He’s a force of nature.”
— Kobe Bryant, on Russell Westbrook (via CBS interview)
“I play for two people—myself and my best friend Khelcey. That’s why I never take a play off.”
— Russell Westbrook, on his pregame ritual
“I want to be a billionaire. That’s a goal I’ve set for myself.”
— Russell Westbrook, on his financial ambition
For the Sacramento Kings front office, the question is whether Westbrook’s experience outweighs his declining athleticism. The implication: they’ll have to decide after this season whether to offer him another contract or move on. For Westbrook, the choice is clear—keep reinventing his game, or risk becoming a journeyman.
For a deeper look at how Russell Westbrook is shaping the Kings’ rotation this season, check out Westbrooks Kings stats and legacy for a full breakdown of his stats and evolving legacy.
Frequently asked questions
How many triple-doubles does Russell Westbrook have?
Westbrook holds the NBA record for triple-doubles with over 200, surpassing Oscar Robertson.
What is Westbrook’s career-high in points?
His career-high is 58 points, achieved against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017.
When was Westbrook traded to the Kings?
He was traded to the Sacramento Kings in October 2025, signing a one-year deal.
What is Westbrook’s salary for 2025-26?
Exact terms were not disclosed, but veteran minimum plus incentives are likely given the one-year deal.
Does Russell Westbrook have any children?
Yes, he has a son named Noah and a daughter named True.
What shoe brand does Westbrook endorse?
He has a long-term endorsement deal with Jordan Brand.
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Jonathan MacDonald is Editor-in-Chief at Civic Maple, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.