Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis, G/F Will Barton
Some fans will bristle at the thought of sending Russell Westbrook back to the Washington Wizards. After all, the team traded him for a reason, right?
Sure. That doesn’t preclude them from re-acquiring him for a different reason. In this case, they’re doing so strictly to bring in a pair of first-round picks.
Moreover, it’s not as if Westbrook left bad blood in the nation’s capital. By all accounts, he and Bradley Beal enjoyed playing together. This trade is unlikely to make the Washington Wizards better in 2022-23 – it’s more about increasing their asset base to land Beal a co-star via trade down the line. Still, the Wizards may actually find a use for Westbrook next season.
On the Lakers’ end, this is surely the highest ceiling deal we’ve proposed. Porzingis didn’t look himself in 2021-22, but if he’s healthier next year, he’ll be the most impactful player we’ve had the Lakers landing in this piece.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Washington Wizards Updates
His ability to space the floor and protect the rim could take the Lakers to the next level: In other words, he fits the formula for building a successful team around LeBron James.
