July 7th 2023.
Russell Westbrook, the former Los Angeles Lakers point guard, made history when he recently signed a two-year, $7.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. This pay cut of $43 million is the largest pay cut in NBA history, surpassing the $30 million decrease that Blake Griffin took for the 202–22 season.
Although prior to the signing, Westbrook had taken home $47 million in salary, he isn't too sad about the decrease. He initially signed a five-year, $205 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, and has had stints with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Utah Jazz and ultimately, the Clippers.
In the 21 games that Westbrook played with the Clippers, he averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. He also achieved career highs of 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.
After joining the Clippers, Westbrook was exceptionally happy and even spoke highly of the team and the fans. He said, "One thing I do tell you is that I love it here. I love the people, just the fans overall, embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know, end of the year, a lot of things have happened, but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here."
Although his pay may have decreased, Westbrook can now play the game that he loves in a place that makes him happy. He may be a bit poorer, but he can still enjoy the game of basketball.
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