How Russell Westbrook Collected $80 Million
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook just cashed in on $80 million.
Russell Westbrook is 23 years old.
He comes from a working-class family, and he was never given a thing in his life.
And at some point in the past 48 hours, Westbrook sat down to sign his name to an eight-figure extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will pay him in the neighborhood of $80 million over five years, quite possibly more money than Westbrook or anyone in his family could ever dream of.
Think about how you would react to reading all those zeros that would soon belong to you. I know what I’d be screaming on the way to the bank. But Westbrook was a bit different. He didn’t do back flips or cartwheels. He didn’t run around the room like he had just hit the jackpot. When he was handed the stack of papers that signaled his biggest success and the start of lifelong financial security, Westbrook kept his composure and, somehow, proceeded with sanity.
“At the time, I was just reading what I was signing,” Westbrook said.
When Westbrook shared that detail with me during a telephone interview Thursday evening, I found it to be extremely impressive. After all, Westbrook is a ballplayer not a businessman. But still, he had the presence of mind, despite all those dollars, to actually read what he was getting into. That might sound like an obvious thing to do. But imagine someone offering you $80 million. How fast would you say the words “Where do I sign?” and not think twice? Besides, Westbrook has an agent, and many pro players unfortunately just trust what they’re being told by the men they’ve hired to handle their business affairs.
Now, that’s not to say Westbrook wasn’t elated. During our near 10-minute chat, I could feel him smiling through the phone as he cheerfully answered however many questions were asked. He soon admitted he was indeed overjoyed as he continued through the pile of papers, penning his John Hancock.
“I was kind of speechless, just kind of sitting there thinking about all the stuff I did to get to this point,” Westbrook said. “It kind of reminded me of draft night all over again and making another jump; of all the work I’ve put in and all the people that have helped me get here, I was just thanking God.”
Westbrook said he was happy for the Thunder organization, for his family, his teammates and, of course, himself.
He then expressed his gratitude. Over and over and over again. Westbrook wanted the fans to know how much he has appreciated the support he’s received. He said he loves Oklahoma. Called it “one of the best places.” He said the fans are great. Called the organization “the best in the league.”
“I just want to tell the people that I’m thankful and that I appreciate the organization for believing in me,” Westbrook said. “And that I’m going to go out and give it 110 percent every night for the city and for the organization and for my family and the fans. I’m very happy for the position that I’m in.”
-DM-
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Comments
Oh, also, I totally knew before I clicked on the link that it was going to take me to the Dave Chappelle soundbite. Awesome. 
Thanks for writing this article, Darnell. I enjoyed reading it. So happy for Russell and Thunder. Good deal all the way around.
Go Thunder!!!
Darnell, tell the folks at the Oklahoman that I said you’ve qualified for an 80 million dollar raise. Great article. And great for Russ. Our man Jet Zero is flying high, and it’s good to see.
Very nice story for all concerned.I’m just glad this didn’t go beyond Jan. 25th and didn’t become any kind of distraction for the season. Russell and his agent handled this in a very mature manner, escpecially when you consider he would have made the All-Star team and qualified for that extra $14 million.It gives me hope that all these young guys on the team have talked among themselves and have in a sense figured out what should be the salary pecking order and maybe how to stay together as a team. I must admit–I’ve been one of those who worried how this would turn out in regard’s to Russell’s new deal, but this is excactly how it should be with Russ getting his max deal, but not going overboard and basically putting that $14 million on the market for open bidding. Very impressive on Russell’s part and shows some real vision and maturity on his part. Next time Russell has a tantrum blurt or tells someone ‘to shoot the f-cking ball’… I’ll have a better understanding of what really ticks inside that young man’s heart. Any Thunder fan who doesn’t get what Russell just did by basically leaving $14 million on the table–isn’t really a fan of the team or the NBA. Nick will still be favorite player on the team, with James being second, but my respect for Russell just went off the charts.
As always Darnell–thank you for the nice piece.
Thank’s Darnell, enjoy reading your post’s every day, so happy for Russel, He is a great player. Thank’s to the Thunder also, we are truly blessed, they are doing thing’s right. Gene Mc
Russ, You were my favorite the first time I saw you play.what a hustler. I am so proud of you and the way you conduct yourself.You deserve all of thoes zeros. maggie
I am so happy for Russell, He is a favorite of mine. He plays so hard,so fast that yes at times he makes mistakes but you have to remember he is still very young and still learning. But in my eyes he has always made up for it with pure hustle, also his energy which is off the charts.
So yes i believe he has earned what he received.
Plus he seems to be a big asset to the team off the court as well. I love to watch his commercials.
Just good for OKC and the entire state of OK.
Rick (Ponca City)
Good for Russ, no matter if he did backflips or not.