The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been in talks with at least three teams about a Russell Westbrook trade. However, a deal still does not appear to be close to completion.
This is reported by Shams Charania The Athletic. According to his information, the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are among the teams the Lakers spoke to about a Westbrook trade. They are said to be interested in Indiana’s Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, among others.
Los Angeles would probably have to add additional draft capital in the form of first-round picks in such deals to create incentives for the teams mentioned to take up Westbrook’s contract (1 year and 47.1 million dollars left). Recently, there has been repeated speculation that the 33-year-old will receive a buyout from his new team after a trade.
Charania emphasizes that no deal is imminent. Instead, the Lakers will probably have to wait and see how the trade market develops in the coming months. First the dominoes Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell would have to fall, the Lakers still have hopes for Kyrie Irving.
The Nets guard is said to be willing to play as the Brooklyn Net next season, regardless of whether Durant is still on the team or not. But that is not necessarily in his hands. It’s considered unlikely that the franchise will keep him if they trade KD, confirms Marc Stein (Substack): “I think if they find a trade for Durant then they will aggressively try to get rid of Kyrie.”
Westbrook trade: Will the Lakers give up two first-round picks?
Even if the Lakers somehow got their hands on Irving, a trade with the Nets would likely require a third team to pick up Westbrook. In theory, the Lakers are allowed to trade their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, but so far general manager Rob Pelinka seems reluctant to put both picks on the table in trade talks.
Externally, the Lakers and especially head coach Darvin Ham have repeatedly emphasized that they want to work on Westbrook’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but after the disappointing preseason it is more likely that the traditional franchise will unite want to embark on a new path without the nine-time All-Star.
