Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving

Consider this an admission that on-court impact hurts a player’s value more than off-court antics.

After all, there is still a chance that Irving can be a star contributor. He looks every bit the part when he does take the floor. It’s convincing him to do so that can be an issue.

On the other hand, it doesn’t matter what Westbrook does off the floor. His tendency toward inefficient shooting, questionable decision-making, and lapses on defense means that his days of being an on-court star are likely over.

Still, taking on his expiring contract for the sake of two first-round picks and a swap feels like good value from the Nets’ perspective. On the other hand, if they’d rather bring back some meaningful, win-now talent, that makes sense too.

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After all, they owe their draft picks (whether outright or via swap) to the Houston Rockets up to 2027. This next deal may go further towards helping them avoid bottoming out.