When Russell Westbrook reached a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, the monetary amount left people in shock. A two-year, $8-million deal.
Despite the low amount, it didn’t stop him from treating his teammates to a very expensive gift.
iPhones.
As Clippers players arrived at Delilah restaurant in Las Vegas last month during a mini-camp he put together, Westbrook went around the room and gave each one of them an iPhone 15 Pro Max. According to the Los Angeles Times, it was for every teammate present, from those with maximum contract to those on training camp deals.
A training camp deal typically is given to a player — partially guaranteed money to players invited to camp that have a chance to make the roster.
The iPhones retail at around $1,200.
The low amount on his contract doesn’t mean Westbrook would be struggling, either. It appeared he received a lot of respect to take a contractual amount far below his value in hopes of chasing a championship with the team.
He also still sees himself as an elite player.
“I’m still fast as anybody, jump as high as anybody,” Westbrook said. “I still see myself as an elite basketball player.”
Westbrook will enter his 16th NBA season.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.