Utah Jazz To Russell Westbrook

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Lauri Markannen, G Mike Conley, G Jordan Clarkson 

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

Of course, many expected the Jazz to have already made a deal with the Lakers to solidify their tanking odds. Who says it’s too late? 

This deal can’t happen until October 31st since the Jazz acquired Markannen too recently. Luckily for both of these sides, that deadline leaves plenty of time to win – or lose. 

As constructed, the Jazz are flirting with danger. There is nobody resembling a star on this team, but there are plenty of useful veterans. They won’t make the playoffs, but if they aren’t careful, they could make the play-in. Having just moved Donovan Mitchell, this organization needs to maximize its odds of landing Victor Wembanyama as much as anybody does. 

This deal would help them get there. In fact, the Jazz could have the worst team in the NBA following this deal. Furthermore, it would also benefit the Lakers.

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Conley feels like the perfect guard to play with LeBron James, Clarkson is an elite sixth man, and Markannen’s front-court floor spacing would be an asset to them as well. 

The Jazz cannot afford to win 30 games this year. By contrast, the Lakers cannot afford to win less than 45. This deal should help both sides reach their goal.