Forever tied together, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook represent the first title contender that the Oklahoma City Thunder championed. Shortly after they relocated to the small market, the NBA superstar duo headlined several deep playoff runs. While Durant and Westbrook never brought home an NBA championship in their eight years together from 2008-16, they remain one of the most successful duos in league history. The Thunder had one NBA Finals trip and four Western Conference Finals appearances with those two in charge. Even though Durant's 2016 departure still cause hurt feelings, he wrote a heartfelt ode about Westbrook just a day after he announced his NBA retirement. The two players are some of the era-defining superstars of the NBA's 2010s. Both won one MVP award apiece and were perennial All-Star and All-NBA members. Durant started off in a lengthy social media post: "I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine." Of course, Westbrook's work ethic is well illustrated. Tales of OKC's practices with him and Durant remain mythical nearly a decade after their breakup. Both players are well-documented in their belief that having several NBA superstars within their building helped push them to their ceiling. Durant went on to back up Westbrook and some of the critical narratives that have surrounded him and his game over the years. Durant continued: "a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on." Durant later on referenced what he and Westbrook accomplished in OKC. They helped put the Thunder on the NBA map. Sure, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led them to the Larry O'Brien trophy, but their continued success for nearly two decades can be traced back to those two NBA megastars who turned into global celebrities all while spending most of their time in a small market. Durant continued: "keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first (expletive), finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!!" It's pretty cool to get Durant's full-on thoughts about Westbrook's retirement. Even if things ended on a sour note, you can't erase eight years of memories and accomplishments. For several NBA playoff battles, those two had each other's back. They fell short of an NBA championship, but the Thunder wouldn't be regarded the way they are without that first iteration being a constant contender. Durant finished: "to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career."
I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably… — Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 13, 2026 This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Kevin Durant writes emotional letter on Russell Westbrook's retirement