Russell Westbrook revitalizes Denver Nuggets with record pay cut

How Russell Westbrook’s veteran minimum salary transformed the Denver Nuggets’ season.

Russell Westbrook, wearing #4 for the Denver Nuggets, dribbles up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 27, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

Russell Westbrook, once the highest-paid player in the NBA, has become the league's biggest bargain this season. Playing for a veteran minimum salary of $3.3 million, the former MVP has rejuvenated the Denver Nuggets, helping them transition from a sluggish start to playoff contenders. His decision to take a record pay cut highlights not only his commitment to the game but also his adaptability in a league that increasingly values efficiency over star power.

Westbrook's career accolades are unmatched by most players in NBA history. He has won an MVP award, led the league in scoring, and earned nine All-Star selections. Over the course of his career, he has made nearly $350 million in salary alone. However, this season, the 35-year-old point guard is earning the league's veteran minimum—a stark contrast to the five-year, $206.8 million contract he signed in 2017, which was the most lucrative deal in NBA history at the time.

Westbrook’s journey to the Denver Nuggets began with a buyout from the Los Angeles Clippers, where his role had diminished after the team acquired James Harden. Looking for a fresh start, Westbrook prioritized fit over finances, opting to join the Nuggets—a team that needed a dynamic playmaker following the departure of key players from their 2023 championship roster.

Denver has proven to be the perfect fit for Westbrook. Under head coach Mike Malone, he has rediscovered his form, averaging 13.1 points, 6.5 assists, and posting the highest effective field goal percentage of his career. His impact has been immediate and transformative, turning the Nuggets into one of the league's fastest-paced teams. Denver now leads the NBA in fast break points, a testament to Westbrook's ability to push the tempo and create scoring opportunities.

Westbrook’s $3.3 million salary represents the steepest pay cut in league history. Dropping from a max contract to the veteran minimum is unprecedented for a player of his caliber. This financial sacrifice underscores Westbrook's willingness to adapt and prioritize team success over personal gain. It’s a rare move in a league where star players often chase maximum contracts, even in the latter stages of their careers.

Nearly 290 players in the NBA earn more than Westbrook this season, including many rookies and bench players with far less experience. Yet, unlike those players, Westbrook has taken on a central role in Denver’s rotation. His leadership, energy, and playmaking ability have been crucial for a team looking to build momentum heading into the postseason.

Despite his reduced salary, Westbrook is playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career. His partnership with Nikola Jokić, Denver's two-time MVP center, has become one of the league's most effective tandems. The two players complement each other perfectly, with Jokić’s physical presence in the paint creating space for Westbrook to attack the rim and facilitate fast breaks.

Earlier this month, Westbrook and Jokić made NBA history by becoming the first teammates to record triple-doubles in the same game twice in a single season. Their chemistry has revitalized the Nuggets, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch.

Westbrook’s contributions extend beyond the box score. His relentless energy and unselfish play have set the tone for the entire team. “He’s one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game,” said coach Mike Malone after Westbrook notched a triple-double in a key win. “What I admire so much about him is he’s got no ego. He just wants to win.”

Westbrook’s path to Denver has been marked by both incredible highs and frustrating lows. He burst onto the NBA scene as part of a dynamic duo with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, leading the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals. After Durant’s departure, Westbrook emerged as a one-man wrecking crew, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season. His 2017 MVP campaign solidified his place among the game’s greats.

However, as the league shifted toward a style of play focused on three-point shooting and efficiency, Westbrook's hard-charging approach began to face scrutiny. His stints with Houston, Washington, and the Los Angeles Lakers were marred by inconsistent performances and playoff exits. Critics questioned whether his style of play could adapt to the modern NBA.

By 2023, Westbrook found himself at a crossroads. Following a tumultuous season with the Lakers, he took a buyout and signed with the Clippers. But when the Clippers traded for James Harden, Westbrook’s role diminished once again. Rather than settle for a peripheral role, he chose to bet on himself, joining a Nuggets team where he could make a meaningful impact.

A player-driven decision

Westbrook’s decision to take the veteran minimum was motivated by more than just financial realities. His agent, Jeff Schwartz, emphasized that the move was about finding the right basketball environment. “Could he have made a little more money elsewhere? Sure. But it wasn’t about that. It was about the basketball piece, the fit,” Schwartz explained.

That fit has been evident in Denver, where Westbrook has thrived in a system that maximizes his strengths. The Nuggets have benefited immensely from his presence, filling gaps left by the departure of key players from their championship team. Westbrook’s leadership and experience have been invaluable for a roster looking to defend their title.

Westbrook’s willingness to adapt and embrace a reduced role has reshaped the narrative surrounding his career. Once criticized for his inefficiency and stubbornness, he has demonstrated a newfound maturity and selflessness. By taking the largest pay cut in NBA history, he has shown that his love for the game and desire to compete outweigh financial considerations.

For the Nuggets, Westbrook’s contributions have been nothing short of transformative. His play has revitalized their season, turning them into legitimate contenders once again. As Denver eyes a deep playoff run, Westbrook’s role will undoubtedly be pivotal.

In many ways, Westbrook’s journey reflects the broader challenges and opportunities faced by aging stars in the NBA. While some players struggle to adapt to declining athleticism, Westbrook has found a way to remain impactful by embracing a new role. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and teamwork.

As the Nuggets continue their pursuit of another championship, Westbrook’s impact will be felt both on and off the court. For a player once defined by his individual achievements, his time in Denver is proving that he can thrive as part of a team-first approach. And for just $3.3 million, the Nuggets may have secured the steal of the season.