For months now, the whole NBA world has been waiting to see what will happen with Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers.
In June, most everyone assumed he was going to be traded after his lackluster, clunky singular season with the Lakers.
Then people thought that LA would end up sticking with Westbrook, despite his problems.
Now, just weeks before training camp, the trade rumors have heated up hotter than ever before.
The Lakers have spoken to at least five teams about a Russell Westbrook trade, per @AmicoHoops
“Sources think they may eventually break on moving both picks if it means dealing Westbrook for a better fit and immediate help.” pic.twitter.com/5gTzjebwom
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) September 1, 2022
The Lakers have spoken to at least five teams about a Westbrook trade, according to insider Sam Amico.
For weeks, the front office has been reluctant to include future first-round picks in any package with Westbrook but apparently, “sources think they may eventually break on moving both picks if it means dealing Westbrook for a better fit and immediate help.”
Does this latest scoop mean a Westbrook trade is far more likely?
Weighing Westbrook
Sources say that the Lakers have talked to the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn Nets during the summer regarding a Westbrook deal.
We don’t know the others team they have spoken with but apparently, Rob Pelinka and his crew are working the phones and still trying to make this happen.
The recent acquisition of Patrick Beverley was seemingly the last nail in the coffin, setting the Lakers up for a post-Westbrook era.
It’s clear they really want to move the former MVP – they just don’t know how.
If they throw those picks into the mix, it’ll certainly sweeten the pot and make a trade all but guaranteed.
Now, LA just needs to be smart and cautious and not jump at the first deal simply because it gets rid of Westbrook.
If they are giving up first-round picks, they need to do it for the right package.
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