In the world of professional basketball, astronomical contracts are the norm. However, Russell Westbrook‘s recent decision with Los Angeles Clippers has earned him admiration from fans. The latest extension marks the smallest contract of his career. The contract, which includes a player option, is a far cry from the lucrative deals that many of his contemporaries are signing. Yet, Westbrook seems unfazed, his focus firmly on the pursuit of victory rather than financial gain.
The nine-time NBA All-Star is known for his relentless energy and competitive spirit and has always been a player who defies convention. After earning millions throughout his NBA career, the end finally seems close to Brodie, as this contract suggests.
Russell Westbrook’s 2-year contract with the Clippers?
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According to a recent update, Westbrook’s time with the Clippers will continue as he recently agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract extension. However, this deal marks a substantial decrease in salary for Westbrook, who earned more than $47 million in the previous season alone.?
Throughout his 15-year NBA career, he has over $336.4 million in earnings. He has played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Clippers. Despite his individual success, including 9? NBA All-Star and an MVP title, Westbrook has yet to win an NBA championship. This lack of team success has often been a point of criticism and discussion surrounding his career.
Free agent Russell Westbrook has agreed on a two-year, nearly $8M deal to stay with the Clippers, agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. Deal includes player option. Clippers were eager to bring back 9-time All-Star after his late season run as starting point guard. pic.twitter.com/ycN4Mc6G1I
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
The 34-year-old star averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in 73 games in the 2022-23 season. With the quality of his performances diminishing with age, it was always going to be tough for him to earn a big contract at this stage of his career. However, signing an $8 million contract suggests he is fully focused on winning the one thing that has eluded him throughout his career.
Fan?s admiration for Russell Westbrook, ?he ain?t tripping about money?
Many lauded his decision to stay with the Clippers, seeing it as a reflection of his competitive spirit and dedication to the game. “Future HOF taking a pay cut to WIN?. A lot of Role Players making 2x-3x as much, a lot of respect for Russ?s Competitiveness,” tweeted one fan, echoing the sentiments of many others.
Future HOF taking a pay cut to WIN…. A lot of Role Players making 2x-3x as much, a lot of respect for Russ’s Competitiveness https://t.co/JV5PZ1CkLu
— Mike Korzemba (@mikekorz) July 1, 2023
Despite the consensus of earning admiration from the fans, not everyone saw Westbrook’s decision in the same light. Some fans argued that the smaller contract was a result of a lack of market demand for the player, given his perceived inefficiencies and the fear that he might demand a larger role than he can handle.
I don't think he is taking a pay cut, he has no market given teams fearful of him wanting a larger role than he can handle and his general inefficient nature. Clippers keep the hometown guy on a cheap deal. Let's not pretend there is a large market for him.
— DET (@NJDEV89) July 2, 2023
Despite the mixed reactions, one sentiment seemed to resonate among fans: Westbrook’s love for the game. “The thing about it he just loves to play he ain?t tripping about money say what y?all want but he?s plays every game and plays hard,” one fan commented.
The thing about it he just loves to play he ain’t tripping about money say what y’all want but he’s plays every game and plays hard
— waynestone (@waynestone48) July 2, 2023
Others who praised Westbrook’s work ethic and professionalism echoed this sentiment.
Russ' work ethic and professionalism is so underrated
— Tonyong ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@dihiansaaaaan) July 2, 2023
Some fans speculated that Westbrook’s decision might be part of a larger strategy by the Clippers to secure other high-profile players.
Watch This Story ??5 games that Prove that the Russell Westbrook criticism is not fair
“Looks like they plan to go all in on Dame (Damian Lillard) cos there?s no way in hell Russ is taking such a huge sickening pay cut for nothing,” one fan re-tweeted.
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Looks like they plan to go all in on Dame cos there’s no way in hell Russ is taking such a huge sickening pay cut for nothing
— Emmanuel levi (@Iam_EL_J) July 2, 2023
As the regular season is approaching, fans are speculating on how this contract extension and potential roster changes will impact the Clippers’ pursuit of success in the NBA.
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What do you think about this latest decision by Russell Westbrook? Let us know in the comments!