Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Obviously, the Raptors aren’t interested in Westbrook here.
In all likelihood, they’d either buy him out or sit him for the year. Westbrook’s contract expires after this season anyway. The Raptors can let the open market dictate his career moving forward.
They’re in this deal for the picks. Amid such a disappointing season, turning an eye to the future would be a wise decision for this team. After making this deal, the future should look awfully bright.
After all, these picks are highly valuable. The Lakers don’t look built for sustained success – they’re old, and they aren’t even having success now.
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With that in mind, their distant first-rounders will be among the most valuable assets in the NBA.
A distant swap with the Sixers doesn’t hurt, either. Should Philadelphia really give up those rights?