09 February 2023 , 15:18
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The Los Angeles Lakers agreed a deal to trade away Russell Westbrook on Wednesday night, bringing an end to what has been a disappointing stint at his boyhood team.
Westbrook was dealt in an eight-man trade, which sent him and a first-round pick to the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves getting Mike Conley and three second-round picks and the Lakers receiving D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt
Westbrook was traded for as the third superstar to bring in alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but his decline in recent years has continued, with him relegated to a role off-the-bench, playing in lieu of James with the two just not working together on the court.
The point guard remains an explosive athlete, but has become hugely criticised in recent years for his inefficient shot-taking, peculiar decisions and being too ball dominant - taking the ball away from James, arguably the greatest player to ever play the game.
From being an MVP winner and a universally beloved player, the narrative around Westbrook has shifted after failing to thrive on winning teams for so long, with him becoming a butt of jokes - perhaps unfairly.
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Westbrook has also been accused of stat-padding - in games where here he has seemingly prioritised getting a triple-double rather than making the right play for his team to win games.
But while he has suffered a few humiliating moments in recent years, he still has plenty to be proud of throughout his incredible career, and will always have the last laugh.
Westbrook has made an absurd amount of money - still being signed to the biggest contract in NBA history when he signed a $205million extension in 2017.
Westbrook could be bought out after his contract in the coming days, adding to the $300m+ he's already made, and getting a new deal to join a championship contenderPrior to that, he also signed am $80million deal in 2012, and has reportedly made well over $350million throughout his career along with endorsements.
Still able of big performances, Westbrook will still have a role to play on the next team is on, and although he has been traded to the Utah Jazz, it might not be for them.
Talks are already in underway on the Jazz potentially buying Westbrook's contract out, with the team potentially looking to sacrifice winning in order to get a high draft pick in the 2023 class.
Westbrook could re-join former teammate Paul George if that does happen, with the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly interested.
The Clippers themselves are also struggling to compete in the western conference, and need another ball dominant player alongside George and Kawhi Leonard - with the team being a strong fit for Westbrook on paper.