Russell Westbrook is one of the most electrifying players in NBA history, famous for his triple-doubles, MVP season, and relentless energy on the court. He’s still making headlines as a Denver Nuggets point guard, with a career that’s earned him hundreds of millions and a place among the game’s legends.
This article covers Westbrook’s personal life, early and professional career, family, net worth, contract, salary, career earnings, endorsements, and his NBA stats.
Russell Westbrook’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Russell Westbrook III |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1988 |
| Age | 36 |
| Education | Leuzinger High School; UCLA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 (NBA Draft, 4th overall pick) |
| Net Worth | $300 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $3.3 million (2024-25); $300+ million career |
| Wife | Nina Earl (m. 2015) |
| Children | Noah, Skye, Jordyn |
| @russwest44 | |
| Twitter (X) | @russwest44 |
Early Career
Russell Westbrook’s early basketball journey began at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California, where he entered as a 5-foot-8 freshman and quickly made a name for himself with his work ethic and determination.
By his senior year, he had grown to 6-foot-3 and became a standout player, averaging 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 assists per game. He led his team to a 25-4 record and a deep playoff run, earning multiple honors including third-team all-state and first-team All-CIF Division I.
Westbrook continued his rise at UCLA, where he played two seasons and became known for his intense defense, energy, and athleticism. His performance at UCLA, including helping the Bruins reach the Final Four, set the stage for his selection as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
Russell Westbrook began his professional career in 2008 after being selected fourth overall in the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who soon became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic point guards, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. Westbrook formed a powerful duo with Kevin Durant and helped lead the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals.
After Durant’s departure, Westbrook became the franchise’s centerpiece, famously averaging a triple-double for multiple seasons and winning the NBA MVP award in 2017. Over the years, he has played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets, consistently making an impact with his energy, leadership, and record-setting triple-doubles.
Wife
Russell Westbrook’s wife, Nina Earl, is a former UCLA basketball player, entrepreneur, and licensed marriage and family therapist.
The couple met at UCLA and started dating in 2007. Westbrook proposed with a custom diamond ring, and they married on August 29, 2015, in Beverly Hills. Nina is the founder of a boutique and is active in mental health advocacy.
Together, they have three children: a son, Noah (born 2017), and twin daughters, Skye and Jordyn (born 2018). Westbrook often speaks about how important his family is in his life.
Russell Westbrook’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Russell Westbrook’s net worth is estimated at $300 million.
Contract
In 2024, Westbrook signed a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, including a player option for the 2025-26 season. This contract is a significant pay cut from his previous deals, but it gives him a key role on a championship-contending team.
Salary
Russell Westbrook is earning a salary of $3,303,771 with the Denver Nuggets. This amount represents the veteran minimum for a player of his experience and is a significant decrease compared to his peak earnings earlier in his career, when he made over $40 million per season.
Despite the lower salary, Westbrook remains one of the most recognized and respected players in the league, and his current contract reflects his role as a valuable veteran presence on a championship-contending team.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-13 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $13,668,750 |
| 2013-14 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $14,693,906 |
| 2014-15 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $15,719,062 |
| 2015-16 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $16,744,219 |
| 2016-17 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $26,540,100 |
| 2017-18 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $28,299,399 |
| 2018-19 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $35,654,150 |
| 2019-20 | Houston Rockets | $38,506,482 |
| 2020-21 | Washington Wizards | $41,358,814 |
| 2021-22 | Los Angeles Lakers | $44,211,146 |
| 2022-23 | LA Clippers | $47,063,478 |
| 2023-24 | LA Clippers | $3,835,738 |
| 2024-25 | Denver Nuggets | $3,303,771 |
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,094 |
| Points Per Game | 21.7 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 7.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 8.1 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.7 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.3 |
| Field Goal % | 43.8% |
| 3-Point % | 30.5% |
| Free Throw % | 78.7% |
| Triple-Doubles | 198 |
FAQs
1. How many teams has Russell Westbrook played for in the NBA?
Westbrook has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets, making it six NBA teams in total.
2. What is Russell Westbrook’s biggest NBA achievement?
His most notable achievement is winning the NBA MVP award in the 2016-17 season and becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season, a feat he accomplished four times.
3. Who is Russell Westbrook’s wife and how did they meet?
Russell Westbrook’s wife is Nina Earl, a former UCLA basketball player and entrepreneur. They met while attending UCLA, started dating in 2007, and got married.
4. How many children does Russell Westbrook have?
Westbrook and his wife Nina have three children: a son named Noah and twin daughters named Skye and Jordyn.
5. What brands does Russell Westbrook endorse?
Westbrook endorses Nike’s Jordan Brand, Hennessy, and runs his own fashion label, Honor The Gift. He has also worked with other major brands throughout his career.
