Could Westbrook return to the Thunder? Presti weighs in

Russell Westbrook back in an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey? A scenario that seemed impossible just days ago has become a talking point again following the serious injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.

The situation could push Oklahoma City to explore roster additions. And among the names circulating again is Russell Westbrook, who retired from the NBA just this past August.

Westbrook to the Thunder: Sam Presti’s response

During the press conference addressing the injuries to Williams and Wallace, general manager Sam Presti was asked about the possibility of bringing Westbrook back to Oklahoma City.

His answer, however, offered no indication that any talks are underway.

I haven’t given any thought yet to anything involving the available roster spots. I understand the question, but right now I’m focused on the players, giving them the right support and helping the rest of the group handle the big challenge ahead of us

Sam Presti

No concrete opening, then, but no definitive rejection either.

For now, management’s priority remains handling the situation and figuring out how to reorganize a team that has lost two important rotation players.

Russell Westbrook: a return from retirement?

Westbrook authored some of the most important chapters in Thunder history, playing for the franchise from 2008 to 2019 and winning regular-season MVP in 2017.

After leaving Oklahoma City, he played for six other NBA teams before announcing his retirement on August 12, 2026, at age 37. He finished his career after 18 seasons, nine All-Star selections and an NBA-record 209 regular-season triple-doubles.

Turning this intriguing possibility into reality, though, would first require Westbrook’s willingness to reverse his decision. And considering the message he shared when announcing his retirement, that seems far from a given.

Sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve already witnessed the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over

Russell Westbrook

The Thunder could apply to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception for each player, provided the league’s requirements are met. It’s a mechanism that can provide greater flexibility to add a replacement following a particularly long-term injury.

Presti nevertheless expressed confidence in the group and in both injured players’ recoveries.

We have to stick together and keep working, and I believe we will. Those guys are going to be OK. These are tough injuries, but other athletes have been through them before. They’ll be back on the court in our jersey and have another opportunity

Sam Presti

For now, a Westbrook return remains only a possibility, with no concrete indications of a potential agreement.

Seeing Russell in a Thunder jersey again would certainly make for a great story, especially after a retirement announced just two months ago. But there’s still a long way to go between what fans want and an actual return.