Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick
This deal feels a little harder to justify from the Charlotte Hornets’ point of view. We’ll take this opportunity to remind you that rumors of their interest in Russell Westbrook did not originate on our website.
Besides, there are benefits for the Hornets in this arrangement too. Next year is the last year of Westbrook’s contract, while Hayward’s hefty pact carries an extra season. This trade will allow them more financial flexibility heading into the 2023-24 season, albeit at the expense of a productive player like Rozier.
It also nets them a potentially valuable first-round pick. It’s impossible to predict where the Los Angeles Lakers will be by 2027, but the lottery feels like as realistic a landing spot as any.
Speaking of the Lakers: they make out like bandits in this deal. Flipping Westbrook for two productive veterans who should fit alongside LeBron James is, fittingly enough, a king’s ransom.
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They shouldn’t hesitate to part with a first-round pick in order to do so. A core group of James, a healthy Anthony Davis, Terry Rozier, and Gordon Hayward could get this team right back into title contention.
With the clock ticking on James’ career, that has to be their singular goal.
