Charlotte Hornets receive: G Russell Westbrook
Washingon Wizards receive: F Gordon Hayward, F Talen Horton-Tucker, C Kai Jones, G James Bouknight, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Bradley Beal
First, a note: finding a realistic trade that lands Bradley Beal with the Los Angeles Lakers is very difficult.
These Lakers are in a tough situation. They’re cap-strapped, and they’re draft poor. They don’t have a lot of attractive assets for a rebuilding team, or a contender.
The Hornets may have an exceptional incentive to take Russell Westbrook. With Miles Bridges hitting Restricted Free Agency, and LaMelo Ball due for a rookie extension soon, they should value his expiring contract. The question is, how much?
This deal certainly pushes the limit of that question. They’re parting with two promising players here just to flip Hayward’s two-year deal for Westbrook’s expiring pact. In the same breath, desperate times call for desperate measures.
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If they can’t find a more viable avenue toward cost-cutting, they might be forced to say goodbye to Bouknight and Jones.
The Wizards would be happy to say hello to them. They’re getting two young players with high potential and a first-round pick for Beal. That’s a solid start to what’s likely to be a long rebuild.
