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“Good Soldier” Russell Westbrook Slated for Massive Demotion After Taking “Astronomical Pay Cut”, Per Chris Broussard

Published 11/10/2023, 10:51 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Russell Westbrook is a star in his own right known for his high-energy plays. It remains to be seen how Russ fits in with the Clippers for the rest of the season. The Clippers have a deep roster, and several players could start ahead of Westbrook. Westbrook’s experience and playmaking ability could be valuable to the Clippers, but he is likely to be demoted to the second bench as per sports analyst Chris Broussard. Especially after James Harden is in the team with other star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

Russ has taken a huge pay cut with the Clippers, with many believing that he has no real option with any other team. However, Russ has accepted his new role without any fuss. 

Russ is a good soldier who might be demoted 

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Broussard suggests that Westbrook may have to accept a bench role. A move that is unexpected given Russ’s credentials in his long career. Although it might be a challenging transition for him, his experience with the Lakers indicates that he might accept this new role. “He is a good soldier. He has been a good soldier,” says Chris. 

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Westbrook spent one season with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Clippers. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, with them playing a key role in helping the team reach the NBA playoffs.

Russ is taking his lowest salary with the Clippers 

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Westbrook’s contract with the Clippers is a two-year deal worth $7.86 million. This contract is a stark contrast to his previous high-earning contracts. This year Westbrook is earning his lowest salary, $3.8 million. It’s a significant decrease for a star player like him who used to command max money.

Can James Harden Settle in With Big-3 at Clippers? An Injury Might Help Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George to Work on Chemistry

Westbrook’s highest career contract was a five-year deal worth $206.79 million, which he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This contract had an average annual salary of $41.36 million. His total career earnings, as of 2023, stand at an impressive $340.27 million.

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Russ is at a point in his career where he realizes that he is not the only star here and he will not try to step on other’s toes. He is trying to do his best where everyone is involved, even if it means taking a seat in the second unit.

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Written by:

Chetan Kumar

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Chetan is an NBA content writer at Essentially Sports. Being an active basketball player since his school days, he has always been a dedicated follower of the NBA. His passion for the game has drove him to pursue a career in sports journalism.
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Edited by:

Ananya Giri