The Los Angeles Lakers finally pulled off a big trade (kind of) that their fans have been asking for. According to multiple reports, the Lakers are finalizing a three-team trade that would see them get veteran Russell Westbrook out of the building and acquire D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shams Charania reports that the framework of the trade would see Westbrook heading to the Utah Jazz alongside the Lakers’ Top 4 protected pick in 2027. The Timberwolves are getting veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. and a second-rounder, while the Lakers will get Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
For the Lakers, the deal was about turning Westbrook into multiple players that can contribute right away and are a better fit with their two best players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They are definitely getting that in this deal, especially with Russell, who will bring badly-needed shooting to the team. It is a sort of homecoming for Russell, who started his career with the Lakers as the team’s second overall pick in 2015.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, wanted to move Russell as they didn’t see him as a long-term part of their future. They are getting an experienced guard in Conley, who has a good relationship with their center Rudy Gobert and is well respected for the leadership he brings.
Finally, for Utah, it is all about collecting assets. They are not only receiving a highly-desirable Lakers’ pick that will come in the post-LeBron James era but also Westbrook’s mammoth expiring contract that will bring them the necessary salary cap reset during this rebuild.
Westbrook, who was demoted to the bench role by the Lakers this season, isn’t expected to suit up for the Jazz at any point. He will most likely get a buyout in the coming days and sign with either Miami Heat or the Los Angeles Clippers.
