Russell Westbrook’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers has been filled with many ups and downs and moments that fans will both remember fondly and try to forget for years to come.
But it could all be over within the next few days.
As the trade deadline approaches, the possibility of Westbrook being traded from the Lakers becomes more and more likely.
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
ESPN is now reporting that the Utah Jazz and Lakers have been discussing 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.”
That’s a big deal for both teams and it’s important to note that Westbrook would probably receive a buyout from the Jazz after the game, meaning he wouldn’t actually play in Salt Lake City.
We don’t know how serious this offer is or how far along the negotiations are.
But it is clear that the Lakers are giving up an awful lot in this deal.
They have clung to those first-round picks all season, refusing to budge and let them go for deals even bigger than this.
Therefore, it’s a bit shocking to hear them allegedly agree to give them up.
As for the Jazz, this would be yet another deal that acquires them great draft picks.
Throughout the summer, the front office garnered a slew of picks for the future and is currently sitting on a treasure trove of them.
Is this asking price too high for the Lakers or are they really that eager to let Westbrook go before the playoffs approach?
Both Conley and Beasley are solid role players who could help the team in multiple ways.
But would LA really pay that much to get them?
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