Kevin Durant reacts to Russell Westbrook's NBA retirement

Kevin Durant expressed sadness regarding the retirement of former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook, stating he believed the former MVP had “five or six more years left” in his career. Durant made these remarks following a Houston Rockets preseason victory over the Dallas Mavericks in China.

Westbrook, 37, announced his retirement in August after 18 NBA seasons. During his final season with the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in approximately 29 minutes per game. Durant, who is entering his 19th season with the Rockets, noted that while Westbrook’s athletic body could still positively impact the game, he understands the desire to step away for new pursuits.

The two players shared an eight-season partnership in Oklahoma City, a tenure that included four Western Conference finals appearances and a trip to the 2012 NBA Finals.