Trade Westbrook To Knicks For Handful Of Secondary Talent
Another possibility in trade talks this offseason for the Lakers involving Russell Westbrook is to pursue trade opportunities with the Knicks.
The 2021-22 season has been a mess for the New York Knicks, as they have regressed as a team and are long-shots to make the playoffs this year.
Likely picking in the NBA Draft lottery once again, the Knicks are going to be desperate in their attempts to add backcourt talent to their roster in the offseason.
Malcolm Brogdon from the Pacers is a possible trade asset they could target, as is restricted free agent Collin Sexton, but Russell Westbrook could make some sense for this franchise not only to get out of current contracts, but because Westbrook is in the final year of his deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lakers Could Take Bold Action To Move On From Russell Westbrook
In the past, there has been a level of interest in Russell Westbrook within the Knicks organization and the reason he has not worked out in Los Angeles is that he is a “stand alone” type of player.
Russell Westbrook really cannot play with other ball-dominant players, which is why the Knicks would be a perfect spot for him. He would not only get to play in the bright lights of Madison Square Garden for one of the most historic franchises in the league, but the team’s two current stars in Julius Randle and RJ Barrett tend to play better off-the-ball anyways.
The worst scenario here for the Knicks is that they would take a chance on Westbrook, have it not work out, and end up not only with another high draft pick, but cap space in the offseason that can be utilized during 2023 free agency, a free-agent class that will feature plenty of older and newer All-Star talents.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lakers Could Take Bold Action To Move On From Russell Westbrook
One or two other teams would likely be involved in a Russell Westbrook to New York trade if it were to happen this upcoming offseason, but the secondary talents the Lakers could pursue include: Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and Derrick Rose.
None of those five players change the Lakers outlook dramatically, but they present means to cap space and more importantly, can provide depth that they do not have on the bench right now.
