Russell Westbrook has reportedly reached a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers that left many fans shaking their heads.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the contract is for two years and $8 million. In today’s NBA, that is ridiculously low. That’s especially true for a nine-time All-Star.
The 34-year-old Westbrook clearly isn’t the triple-threat he was in his younger days; it’s been almost painful watching the videos/memes of him left wide open from outside, like the West Coast Ben Simmons, with teams daring him to shoot.
Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game last season split between the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. Those numbers alone would seem to be worth a more lucrative deal than he got from the Clippers.
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
Granted, Westbrook won’t exactly need to shop at thrift stores, clip coupons and order off the dollar-menu at Wendy’s, but his bargain contract was the talk of the NBA world Saturday.
Many fans respected him for taking far below his market value, in a bid to chase a championship with the Clippers.
Why did Woj have to say “nearly $8M” like it’s a blockbuster deal 😭
— Playmaker Betting (@playmakerbet) July 1, 2023
Dillon Brooks out here getting 20 million a year while Russ gets 4 mill?
— MVP43🐐 (@StepBackPascal) July 1, 2023
Honestly I feel he took a pay cut to help the team make more moves
— Brai (@BraiRidd) July 1, 2023
I don’t think he’s chasing a bag, look at all the teams he has been in like lakers, Rockets, Wizards, he wasn’t happy. He made his bag during his OKC days and I think he’s happy in LA. He doesn’t want money. He’s happy
— LOGAN BRUSS STAN (@RamsGotNow) July 1, 2023
That’s an amazing contract for the Clippers
— Ben Shoop (@ShoopBen) July 1, 2023
NAH THIS IS WILD $8mil 2 years
— Jack (@jackb933) July 1, 2023
Discount to attempt getting a ring. Respect
— (W)adgePlug🔌 (@BADGEPLUG) July 1, 2023
