Former Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook hung up his sneakers earlier last month. The decision came as a shock to his NBA fans as well as to former NBA players who have watched him up close.

However, even after a month, Patrick Beverley does not believe Westbrook’s NBA career is necessarily over. The former Lakers teammates discussed Westbrook’s retirement on the Out The Mud Podcast, with Beverley boldly saying the veteran guard could still return.

“This man is supposed to be in the league for another 3-4 years at least,” he said. “I’d like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday, Ray. He might be back.”

Patrick Beverley & Zach Randolph on Russell Westbrook’s retirement

“This man is supposed to be in the league for another 3-4 years at least. I’d like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday Ray. He might be back”. pic.twitter.com/aaWWdVRQrI

— 𝙀𝙧𝙖 (@TheWestbrookEra) September 19, 2026

Westbrook announced his retirement after an 18-year career that included an MVP award, nine All-NBA selections, and the NBA’s all-time triple-double record. Beverley, however, believes Westbrook still has enough left to play.

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The two were teammates with the Lakers during the 2022-23 season. Their relationship also goes back to their years as fierce competitors.

Westbrook’s decision came after a career that had gradually shifted from superstar centerpiece to veteran role player. Once the 2017 MVP and a perennial All-Star, he had spent his final seasons moving between teams and adjusting to smaller roles.

Westbrook finished his career with 27,176 points, 10,351 assists, and 9,025 rebounds across 1,301 regular-season games. He also averaged a triple-double in four different seasons.

After nearly two decades of playing, Westbrook chose to leave the NBA on his own terms rather than continue searching for another opportunity.