Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Mike Conley, F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Patrick Beverley

Spoiler alert: this is roughly the formula that all of these proposals will use.

Westbrook’s trade value is distinctly negative. At this stage, it’s hard to envision any team acquiring Westbrook for the sake of his skillset. If the Lakers want to move him, they’ll likely have to attach draft capital.

If they’re willing to do so, a rebuilding team should bite. After all, Westbrook is on an expiring contract. Two first-round picks and some massive, soon-to-come cap relief ought to be enticing to a team that’s not concerned with wins in 2022-23.

Whether the Utah Jazz fit that description remains to be seen. If they decide to re-tool around star guard Donovan Mitchell this summer, this trade won’t appeal to them.

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On the other hand, if they’re moving him, they’re likely to have a fire sale. The Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to reach for their wallet if they do.