Those hoping to see Russell Westbrook's No. 0 head into the rafters out at Paycom Center this season may need to wait a little bit longer. Per recent rumblings, the OKC Thunder legend could make his way back to the association at some point in the near future.
During a recent episode of the Out The Mud Podcast, former All-Star Zach Randolph revealed that he ran into Westbrook's brother, Ray, and noted that Russ "might be back" in the league, specifically tabbing the Miami Heat, who are now back in championship-or-bust mode following their blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, as a good fit for his services.
News broke on August 12 that Westbrook had decided to call it a career, announcing his retirement in a three-and-a-half -minute video on social media.
Now, while he may no longer be the perennial All-Star and MVP candidate he once was during his heyday leading the charge with the Thunder, many, including Randolph, believe that the point guard still has "a lot left in him" as a pro-baller.
Thunder legend believed to still have more to give on the hardwood
During the two seasons prior to 2025-26, Westbrook found himself logging significant minutes on two title-hopeful clubs, the Clippers and Nuggets, respectively, finishing with averages of 12.2 points, 5.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals throughout, while placing in the top seven in Sixth Man of the Year voting in consecutive years.
This past campaign, he served as the primary floor general for the Kings. Though they may have won just 22 games, Westbrook still proved himself to be a quality, all-around contributor on the hardwood, as he posted 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in 64 appearances.
This kind of production is what made his decision to call it quits all the more surprising, as he clearly still has what it takes to post impressive numbers and, as made evident in his previous two seasons, produce in a positive manner for playoff contenders.
Heck, even before his retirement announcement dropped, rumors were circulating that a number of teams, including the Heat, had been linked to Westbrook as a possible landing spot for next year.
As of this writing, the 37-year-old has decided to walk away from the game, and, as a result, is three full seasons away from being eligible to be enducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, given his recent level of play coupled with this belief by Randolph that a return to action is possible, Westbrook's situation is certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward.
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