Russell Westbrook
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Mike Conley, F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Patrick Beverley
Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The Los Angeles Lakers need to trade Russell Westbrook, and everybody knows it. His poor fit with LeBron James had a lot to do with the Lakers’ horrific 2021-22 season.
At the same time, finding a logical suitor for Westbrook isn’t easy. Teams with hopes of contending won’t want his enormous contract given his current level of production.
Furthermore, even teams that are a season or two into a rebuilding process could hesitate to add him, even if receiving draft picks.
After all, they may want to see what their young players can do, and Russell Westbrook doesn’t have a sterling reputation for playing with others.
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On the other hand, a team on the ground floor of a rebuild should be interested in an expiring contract if there are sweeteners attached. Enter the Utah Jazz. Assuming they trade Donovan Mitchell this summer, they won’t have any particular players to prioritize next season.
They also happen to have a cast of veterans who would complement the Lakers. Of all the potential Russell Westbrook scenarios, this one probably makes the most sense.
