“It’s an Awkward Moment”: Signing a Mere $8000000 Contract, Teammate Heaps Praise for Russell Westbrook

Published 07/11/2023, 8:10 AM EDT

Amid 100-million plus contract deals, one rarely hears about a player taking one of the biggest paycuts in the NBA history. But Russell Westbrook has just done that. The dynamic point guard known for his fiery athleticism and competitiveness recently re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for a mere $8 million. This is a significant paycut compared to his previous contracts.

Now why would an explosive player like Westbrook settle for less? For those scratching their heads, a candid conversation with Paul George may shed some light on what it means for the Clippers.

Paul George’s praise for the teammate

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In a recent podcast, George expressed his admiration for Westbrook’s decision to stay with the Clippers. George reveals something profound about ‘Russ Dog’—as he affectionately refers to him.

“Russ is doing so well off the court that he’s not moved by money,” George said. “It demonstrates why such financial decisions aren’t necessarily the only driving force behind his actions anymore.”

George went on to express surprise over Russ’s commitment towards returning despite knowing they couldn’t offer him a lucrative deal compared to other franchises out there. “I talked to him before and it’s funny because I was like as I’m talking to him and I know like what we can offer him,” he said. “And it’s like it’s an awkward moment.”

The impact of Russ is beyond just numbers

George’s praise for Westbrook didn’t stop at his decision to re-sign. He spoke about Westbrook’s impact on the team’s culture and his unique personality.

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“Like he’s one of the like just rare personalities, rare human beings in the league,” George said. “Westbrook’s dedication to the game and team is exceptional. His court presence is worth much more than his contract.”

Another teammate Tyrese Haliburton also chipped in his experiences. He remembers his first time playing against Westbrook whose showmanship left a lasting impact on him. He further recalls the intense matchups between Westbrook and De’Aaron Fox, the long sprints of fierce competition.

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The fact remains that with Russ steering the wheel once again for LA Clippers, they’ve managed to secure someone who can be a game-changer without breaking the bank. An “awkward moment” perhaps turned into a strategic masterstroke!

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Written by:

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.

Edited by:

Bilal Handoo

“It’s an Awkward Moment”: Signing a Mere $8000000 Contract, Teammate Heaps Praise for Russell Westbrook

Paul George’s praise for the teammate

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The impact of Russ is beyond just numbers