Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G Derrick Rose, G Alec Burks
New York Knicks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
It bears repeating here: Russell Westbrook has taken a tremendous slide. If you had a time machine, traveled to 2018, and told NBA fans his team would be attaching a first-round pick to his contract in return for three role players…
Well, you’d be better off finding a better use for that time machine.
Regardless, this is where we are in 2022. Westbrook, if we’re being objective, is a burden. Still, a first-round pick ought to be enough incentive for the New York Knicks to take him on. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, this is a great future-focused move for the Knicks.
Plus, they may be able to convince themselves that it’s got benefits in the present as well. Westbrook could possibly have unduly suffered from a difficult fit alongside LeBron James. In a different situation, he may be able to make something closer to his former impact.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why Russell Westbrook Trade Might Actually Be Great For Knicks
Meanwhile, we think this is a no-brainer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Rose, Fournier and Burks are all quality rotation players. If Anthony Davis can return to form, and James can sustain his, this will make the Lakers a better team.
Still, if they’ve got their eyes on a bigger prize, there could be another package for the Knicks to offer.
