Russell Westbrook: From NBA’s Top Contract to League Minimum

Russell Westbrook: From NBA’s Top Contract to League Minimum.

Following a successful season in which they secured the second-best record in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets are once again vying for a prime playoff position this year. The team continues to be led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who consistently showcases his extraordinary skills, including remarkable feats such as effortlessly sinking a one-handed 75-foot shot. He remains the standout player for the Nuggets. However, throughout much of the season, the role of the second star has not been filled by Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, or Michael Porter Jr.

Instead, it has been Russell Westbrook—the very player whose contract has previously burdened several other franchises. Westbrook signed with the Nuggets this year for a deal worth $3.3 million ($3,303,771 to be precise), which represents the minimum salary he can earn at this point in his career. Just two seasons ago, Westbrook's earnings were $46,791,220.

This marks a staggering decrease of $43,487,449, the most significant contract reduction in NBA history. As a result, Westbrook has emerged as the most valuable bargain in the league.

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Westbrook undoubtedly possesses immense talent. He has been selected to nine All-Star teams, won the league MVP award during the 2016-17 season, led the league in scoring on two occasions, and in assists three times, while also achieving an average of a triple-double over four seasons.

Following his MVP season, Westbrook secured a five-year contract extension worth $205 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the largest contract in NBA history at that time. This decision came after the team had experienced the departure of Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors, indicating Westbrook's intention to remain with the franchise for the foreseeable future.

However, the partnership was short-lived, as the two parties separated just two years later. Westbrook's new contract was set to commence in the 2018-19 season, yet for the third consecutive year, the Thunder faced elimination in the first round of the playoffs. Subsequently, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul and draft picks, initiating a tumultuous phase in his career.

He transitioned through several teams, including the Wizards, Lakers, Jazz (where he did not play any games), and Clippers. Throughout these transitions, critics frequently highlighted his substantial contract. His tenure with the Lakers was particularly challenging, as the team struggled consistently, and Westbrook became an easy target for blame.

Ultimately, he opted for a buyout from the Lakers to join the Clippers. Initially, it appeared that his situation was improving, but the Clippers then acquired James Harden, Westbrook's former teammate from both OKC and Houston. This development diminished Westbrook's importance to the Clippers' roster, leading him to seek another buyout and enter free agency, at which point the Denver Nuggets expressed interest.

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Jokic conveyed to TNT's Inside the NBA that the Lakers misinterpreted Westbrook's capabilities. He elaborated that when the guard gains momentum moving downhill, he is adept at making the appropriate choice, whether that involves driving to the basket or delivering a well-timed pass to an open teammate.

As Westbrook nears $350 million in career earnings, his focus has shifted towards finding a suitable basketball environment rather than merely seeking a lucrative contract. Fortunately for both parties, the combination of Westbrook and the Nuggets proves to be an excellent match.