Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, G Malik Beasley
This deal is easy to justify from the Los Angeles Lakers’ point of view. They’re getting two players who, by virtue of spacing the floor, are better fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
On the other hand, at first glance, one might ask: just what are the Timberwolves doing here?
Well, they’re acquiring a first-round pick and a pick swap. After Russell’s subpart 2021-22 postseason performance, they may feel ready to move on from the floor general. This deal finds them taking a step backward in hopes of taking two steps forward eventually. By increasing their draft capital, they put themselves in a better position to make a big win-now trade down the line.
Alternatively, Westbrook may actually work in Minnesota. They’ve got the stretch big he needs to succeed in Karl-Anthony Towns. If they were able to acquire a floor-spacing four, there’s a chance Westbrook makes them better in 2022-23.
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Of course, if they’re not willing to find out, that would be understandable. In that event, it may take a third team to land Russell back in Los Angeles.
