Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, G/F Evan Fournier
New York Knicks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick
Like the Charlotte Hornets, the New York Knicks’ interest here is in the fact that Russell Westbrook’s contract is expiring. Basically, the Los Angeles Lakers need to be identifying cost-cutting organizations as prospective trade partners.
We’re assuming the Knicks have some buyer’s remorse regarding Randle’s $26.1 million a year contract. After a sensational 2020-21 season, he regressed badly last season.
In fact, it’s worth noting that much of that regression came in the form of decreasing three-point accuracy. He connected on 41.1% of his 5.5 attempts per game in 2020-21, and just 30.8% of his 5.4 attempts per game last season.
In other words, the Lakers are trading a ball-dominant, non-spacing point guard for…a ball-dominant, non-spacing forward.
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Again, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot. Shaking it up might be worth their time. If Randle can even split the difference between his 2020-21 accuracy and last year’s, he’ll be an upgrade over Russ. That’s the most this team can ask for at the moment.
