The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz have been mentioned in several trade rumors this offseason. The Knicks and Jazz have been very active, signing Jalen Brunson and trading Rudy Gobert, respectively, but those aren’t the only moves they might make this summer.
In fact, these two teams have reportedly engaged in trade talks regarding Donovan Mitchell, but so far, nothing has happened. That’s when the Los Angeles Lakers show up, offering an alternative to these franchises to make a deal that would help them get rid of Russell Westbrook.
The Purple and Gold reportedly contacted the Knicks and Jazz to discuss a three-team deal that would send Mitchell to the Knicks, Russell Westbrook to the Jazz, and would send Jordan Clarkson to Los Angeles. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the teams engaged in trade talks, but nothing has come to fruition yet.
The Lakers had conversations about joining the Jazz and Knicks a few weeks ago in a potential three-team trade, league sources told HoopsHype
The proposed three-team trade scenario included Westbrook going to Utah and getting bought out. Utah would send Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks, a combination of two players, including Patrick Beverley and Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic or Malik Beasley to the Lakers, and the Jazz would receive significant draft pick compensation from the Knicks and Lakers. The Knicks also would’ve had to part with veteran salary filler(s), such as Derrick Rose to help make the salaries work
The Lakers also have had interest in trading for Knicks forward Cam Reddish, who could also become part of a trade. Last season, the Lakers nearly acquired Reddish as part of a blockbuster three-team trade talks between the Lakers, Knicks and Raptors at the time.
Even though this move didn’t happen, perhaps the Lakers will try to push again for it. They’ve been linked with Kyrie Irving in recent weeks, and rumors have it that Kyrie could join the team via trade at some point this season or sign with them as a free agent next summer.
Still, it looks like they have a variety of options to add a solid player this offseason. The Knicks are still trying to get Donovan Mitchell, and the Jazz just want to start a new era after getting rid of Rudy Gobert and landing some draft picks in the process. This would have been a great trade, but we have to sit and wait if they can make it happen.
