Delonte West Net Worth

What is Delonte West's net worth, salary, and career earnings?

Delonte West is a retired professional basketball player who has a net worth of $100. Tragically, Delonte is one of the worst examples of a professional athlete whose life fell apart after his career ended. He earned around $16 million in salary alone during his career, but years later was seen struggling deeply with drugs and other problems.

Delonte West's basketball career was a mix of electrifying talent and turbulent off-court challenges. A versatile guard, West made his mark at Saint Joseph's University before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft. He quickly evolved into a reliable contributor, highlighted by his tenure with the Celtics during their 2008 championship season as a key role player. After Boston, West had notable stints with the Seattle SuperSonics and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he shined alongside LeBron James, averaging career highs in points and assists. His last NBA stop was with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011–12 season.

West showcased his two-way skills—capable of creating shots, penetrating defenses, and defending multiple positions—with career averages of around 9.7 points and 3.9 assists per game. Following his NBA departure, he bounced through minor leagues and overseas tryouts, aiming for comebacks. Despite flashes of brilliance, off-court struggles—mental health issues and financial instability—derailed his trajectory.

Contracts, Salary & Career Earnings

Delonte West earned an estimated $16.4 million in NBA salary over his eight-year career. His contracts included a four-year deal in Boston worth approximately $4.9 million, a three-year $12.7 million deal with Cleveland, and one-year deals with Boston and Dallas worth around $1 million each. His final NBA salaries were about $1.07 million in 2010–11, $1.15 million in 2011–12, and $1.22 million in 2012–13. Overall, he earned roughly $16–16.5 million before taxes and fees.

Early Life

Delonte West was born on July 26, 1983, in Washington, DC. He went to Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt and then St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. While at St. Joseph's, Delonte and Jameer Nelson formed what was regarded as the best backcourt in the country.

West's efforts helped Saint Joseph's University make it to the Elite Eight in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

NBA Career

West was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 24th Pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He only played 39 games in his first season due to struggles with injuries. During his rookie season, West was appointed as the starting point guard for the 2005-06 season. By the 2006-07 season, West was moved to the shooting guard position. However, luck wasn't on West's side, as he struggled in the early stages and subsequently was moved back to point guard.

In 2007, West was traded to the Seattle Supersonics, and by early 2008, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal. As a Cavalier, West scored a season high of 20 points against the Boston Celtics, and this was only six days after the trade.

In late 2008, West signed a three-year contract with the Cavaliers, worth $12.7 million. West took up the position of shooting guard and backup point guard. West raised a few eyebrows as he emerged as a highly skilled backcourt defensive player and an outstanding outside shooter. The Cavaliers then traded West to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his time with the team was short-lived. In late 2010, West signed a one-year contract with his old team, the Boston Celtics, to back up Rajon Rondo as a point guard. The contact came to a sharp halt following a guilty plea to weapons charges. Delonte played for the Dallas Mavericks from 2011 to 2012. He then spent a few years playing overseas.

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Financial And Personal Problems

Despite making $16 million in salary during his career (before taxes and fees), Delonte has been plagued with personal and financial problems throughout his career. During the NBA lockout, he reportedly was living out of the Mavericks locker room and was forced to sell off all of his jewelry and several cars. During this time, he also applied for a temporary job at Home Depot to make ends meet. West reportedly lost a fortune in his divorce and in legal fees defending various issues.

In August 2019, Delonte was photographed looking somewhat destitute and perhaps homeless. A few months earlier, he was photographed walking around a fast food restaurant parking lot without shoes, looking disheveled.

In September 2020, Delonte was photographed panhandling on a street in Dallas, Texas. When he heard about it, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban picked West up off the streets. Mark brought West to a drug treatment program. For a time, Delonte's fortunes seemed to have reversed. He had reunited with family and was working at the rehab facility.

Unfortunately, in October 2021, Delonte was arrested in Florida.

Who's Richer?

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Jameer
Nelson