Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Mike Conley, F/C Lauri Markannen
Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick
We said that the Jazz probably wouldn’t get a first-round pick for Conley. We didn’t say they couldn’t get a first-round pick in a Conley deal.
The Bogdanovic trade, for many, will disqualify the Jazz from the Westbrook-and-a-pick sweepstakes. On a short-term basis, it probably has to. After all, none of the players that the Jazz acquired in exchange for Mitchell are eligible to be moved before October 31st.
Guess what? If Westbrook is still on the Lakers by October 31, the Lakers still have a problem. Moreover, this deal provides ample solutions to that problem. Between Conley and Markannen, the Lakers improve their spacing significantly. This deal unequivocally makes them a better team in 2022-23.
Markannen is 25 – he’s young enough that the Jazz could make him part of this rebuild. At the same time, he’s at an age where he’s not an integral part of their plan either. By the time his contract is up in three years, the Jazz may not be good enough to justify re-signing him wholeheartedly.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, Utah Jazz & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the flip side, they’ll be happy to have this first-round pick either way. If they’re still rebuilding, they’ll be scouting for that class, and if their rebuild is done, they’ll look to trade it – perhaps setting the market in the process.
