Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Joe Harris, 2022 First-Round Pick (PHA via BKN) 2025 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Josh Hart
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Damian Lillard
With the Los Angeles Lakers lacking in draft capital, the two sides bring Brooklyn to the negotiating table. They’re parting with Joe Harris’ money and a couple of first-round picks to acquire a great complementary player in Josh Hart. That may be a steep price for Hart, but the picks do belong to the contending 76ers.
The Blazers find themselves blowing it up with this package. They’re effectively shipping Damian Lillard for four first-round picks. The players they’re receiving in the short term are strictly salary fodder.
It’s hard to know what the team might do with Westbrook. They could orchestrate a buyout, or see if playing him throughout 2023-23 is a viable route to improving their lottery odds.
With all due respect to Westbrook, his style has not seemed conducive to winning over recent years. That may suit a tanking Blazers squad perfectly.
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This isn’t a no-brainer for the Blazers. Four first-rounders is a solid haul for an aging Damian Lillard, but it’s not necessarily a steal either. Plus, the small-market Blazers have not made a habit of rebuilding. They may prefer a package that allows them to stay competitive in the short term.
The Los Angeles Lakers may be able to assist them in that regard also.
