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‘Russell Westbrook will earn $43.8 million’: NBA Analyst calls out Rockets star for being past his ‘athletic prime’

Samir Mehdi
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Russell Westbrook will earn $43.8 million

Russell Westbrook is set to make well over $40 million a season for the next 3 seasons, most say it’s too high for Westbrook.

In yet another early postseason flameout, Russell Westbrook’s Houston Rockets has been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs in just 5 games in the Western Conference Semis at the hands of the LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers.

Russell Westbrook, for the first time in his career, averaged less than 20 points per game in the Playoffs, averaging only 19 points while shooting just 43% from the field and an abysmal 58% from the free throw line.

Also read: “Catching COVID, I had to sit back”: Russell Westbrook blames 2 significant issues for ‘no-show’ vs Lakers

These constant early Playoffs exits have NBA analysts wondering whether or not Westbrook’s contract is a fair deal or a highway robbery on Westbrook’s part.

Russell Westbrook is guaranteed to make $123 million.

The 31 year old has a contract that only increases in salary as the years go by, and extends till 2023. Russ will make $38 million in this season and will make a whopping $46.6 million in the last year of his contract.

As pointed out by the Ringer’s Kevin O’Conner, Russell Westbrook is past his athletic prime. It was quite noticeable in the Bubble that he wasn’t dunking nearly as much as he used and was not relying on an acrobatic layups either.

Should the Houston Rockets look to trade Russell Westbrook?

After just one year with the Rockets, people are already contemplating shipping the 2017 MVP off to another team, while there is still demand out there for a player like Westbrook.

James Harden, in his postgame presser said that the Rockets are only one piece away from contending for a Finals berth. He included Russ in this statement so it seems that Harden wants the 2x All Star Game MVP to stay on the team.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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