Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier
This is a popular trade proposal, and with good reason. It makes too much sense not to include it here.
As mentioned, the Charlotte Hornets need to tend to their books. They’re about to get messy otherwise. Hayward is owed $30 million for the next two seasons, and Rozier is owed $21.4 for the next four. With Bridges, Ball, and PJ Washington all due for extensions in that time frame, that just isn’t palatable.
That gives them a unique incentive to acquire Russell Westbrook. His contract expires after next season. That’s probably not enough for them to surrender two quality veterans. They could presumably get better value elsewhere. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2027 first-rounder ought to sweeten the pot enough for the Hornets to sit at the table.
Meanwhile, the Lakers instantly get better here. If Anthony Davis returns to his peak levels, a core of him, James, Hayward, and Rozier ought to put them back in title contention.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Best Trade Packages The Lakers Could Get For Russell Westbrook
On the other hand, both teams could reject this deal. The Hornets could decide that, in giving up both Hayward and Rozier, they’re weakening themselves too much in the short term.
Meanwhile, with limited draft capital at their disposal, the Lakers could be apprehensive to part with a first-round pick. We’ve got another deal that covers both of those concerns.
