The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make some moves as the NBA trade deadline is almost upon us. Fans will be aware that the Lakers are struggling to remain competitive in the Western Conferences. Russell Westbrook was added to the roster in order to make them contenders. However, he has not lived up to his expectations over the past 2 seasons.
Therefore, the Lakers might just try to move him, ahead of the trade deadline. Fans will be aware that Westbrook is on a 5 year and $206 million maximum contract. Moving him might not be all that easy. Especially considering that the Lakers are looking to both hold on to their future draft picks and get good players as compensation for Russ.
While this certainly seems like a huge challenge for the Laker’s management, there might just be a way to handle this whole situation. Fans will undoubtedly want to know more and what move the Lakers could make.
The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz
One of the teams that have constantly been involved with trade rumors this offseason is the Utah Jazz. That is simply because they are in a state of rebuilding. After all, they traded away both their franchise stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to start this NBA season.
According to the reports, there have been talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz regarding Westbrook. While trading for the Lakers star will not make the Jazz contenders, it still helps their goals.
ESPN reporter Tim MacMohan revealed what was going on in the background of the negotiations and how things could end up unfolding if Westbrook was traded to the Jazz.
“The Jazz have discussed a deal that would send a combination of rotation players including Mike Conley and Malik Beasley to the Lakers for 2027 and 2029 first-round picks and Russell Westbrook.”
The Jazz have discussed a deal that would send a combination of rotation players including Mike Conley and Malik Beasley to the Lakers for 2027 and 2029 first-round picks and Russell Westbrook, per @espn_macmahon
Russell Westbrook would likely receive a buyout after the trade. pic.twitter.com/AlOA7JczDs
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 7, 2023
Tim also mentioned a key detail, which was that the Jazz would be looking to buy out Westbrook after this trade took place. That would undoubtedly work for Utah, which is keeping its eyes on the future and making moves accordingly.
To those who do not know, a buyout is a deal between a franchise and a player, which gives them a fixed amount of money and allows them to part ways. That would mean, Utah would pay Westbrook, simply to get the numbers off the books so that they can sign some other young star talent down the line.
While it is possible for this to happen, the Lakers are still exploring other options in order to keep them as tile contenders in the Western Conference.
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