# @duranthighlights on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DcCOL7tFLDr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69164747-duranthighlights-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2d1b44c0b5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-14T20:56:10.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kevin Durant | KD (@duranthighlights) — https://gondola.cc/duranthighlights

## Caption

Russell Westbrook is the first member of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s core to retire 👋 (SWIPE)

Kevin Durant will be entering Year 20, while James Harden will be entering Year 18, Serge Ibaka is currently a free agent

Russell Westbrook officially walking away from the game really makes you appreciate just how special that original OKC era was. 💙🧡 From Russ, KD, Harden and Ibaka all sharing the floor as young stars to eventually becoming legends in completely different chapters of their careers, that Thunder core gave basketball fans memories that will last forever.

What makes Russ’ retirement even more emotional is seeing the love coming from the Durant family. KD’s mom showing Westbrook love and reminding him how much his passion, toughness and energy meant says everything. Through all the narratives that surrounded KD and Russ after Oklahoma City, there was always a deeper level of respect between people who experienced those battles together.

KD’s words about Russ hit differently too. He described him as someone who led by example, stayed quiet and methodical behind the scenes, then completely unleashed himself once the lights came on. That’s exactly what made Westbrook so unique. Every night he played like the game meant everything. Whether it was October or the playoffs, Russ brought an intensity that very few players in NBA history could match.

For 18 seasons, Westbrook gave the game everything he had. MVP. Triple-double king. One of the most explosive guards basketball has ever seen. But beyond the numbers, his greatest legacy might be exactly what KD talked about — inspiring people simply through the way he competed.

Seeing KD still going strong while Russ becomes the first member of that legendary OKC core to retire is honestly surreal. We watched these guys grow from young stars trying to build something in Oklahoma City into Hall of Fame-level icons who helped define an entire generation of basketball.

Nothing will ever recreate those early Thunder years. ⚡️

Thank you for everything, Russ. ❤️🐐

#kevindurant #russellwestbrook #okcthunder #oklahomacitythunder #nbatalk 

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## Tags

oklahomacitythunder, nbatalk, russellwestbrook, kevindurant, okcthunder

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