Houston Rockets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 First-Round Pick

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G John Wall, C Christian Wood

We know what you’re thinking. This article is supposed to feature bold trades. This might be the most heavily rumored deal that didn’t happen at the 2021 trade deadline.

You go think of a unique Westbrook package. They don’t exist. His enormous contract is nearly impossible to move. It was this or the Hornets package.

This trade still stands to benefit the Los Angeles Lakers. Wall is a marginally better three-point shooter than Westbrook based on career averages. That margin could make a big difference in terms of his fit with James.

Furthermore, Wood is one of the league’s premiere stretch bigs. His defensive shortcomings should be masked alongside Anthony Davis in a modernized twin-towers look.

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The Houston Rockets should take this deal in a heartbeat. They should have taken it at the deadline if it was on the table. Wood does not appear likely to be a part of their long-term plans. Flipping him for a 21-year-old and a first-round pick is a huge win for a rebuilding club.

As for Westbrook, they’ll probably do what many teams acquiring him would do: buy him out.