Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Josh Okogie
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Before Minnesota Timberwolves fans grab their pitchforks, let’s elaborate on those benefits associated with landing Russell Westbrook.
Again, his contract is due to expire at the end of this season. This deal may not improve the Wolves in the short term, but it could also set them up for bigger roster moves in 2023-24. At the same time, is it impossible that it could benefit them in the short term?
After making this trade, the Wolves would likely run a starting backcourt of Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley. That’s a talent downgrade in Russell’s absence. It could be a fit upgrade.
This Timberwolves offense would now center squarely around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. The backcourt would provide little outside of spacing and defense.
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It might be a more functional look for the Pups. As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they’d have to jump at this opportunity. Russell may not be the most reliable floor-spacer, but he’s bound to knock down triples with more frequency than Westbrook.
On the other hand, if the Timberwolves aren’t willing to give D’Angelo Russell up, there may be another deal that lands Russell Westbrook in Minnesota.
