New York Knicks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, G/F Evan Fournier
With this deal, the two biggest markets in the NBA exchange problems. It could benefit both sides.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to move Westbrook. His fit alongside LeBron James is clearly untenable. Meanwhile, he could have value to some teams as an expiring contract. This trade allows the New York Knicks to clear their books ahead of 2023-24 free agency.
Meanwhile, the Lakers can’t afford to think about 2023-24. With LeBron James somehow both still producing at a peak level and also nearing retirement, they need to win now. If Randle can even split the difference between his 2020-21 shooting and last year’s debacle, he’ll make them a better team next season.
Westbrook may not do the same for the Knicks. In fact, it’s possible their organization may not be interested in this trade. They may not want to play Westbrook, deal with the headache of sitting him, or the financial strain of buying him out.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Fresh Trade Ideas To Send Lakers’ Anthony Davis To New York Knicks
In that case, there may be another swap between these two sides that gets Randle to Los Angeles.
