Russell Westbrook has had a disappointing year with the Los Angeles Lakers, and there is no doubt that he was often criticized for his inefficient and turnover-heavy playstyle. There has been a lot of speculation about Westbrook potentially getting moved before the season starts.
The most common trade scenario involving Russell Westbrook features him getting moved to the Brooklyn Nets for Kyrie Irving. Brian Windhorst has previously claimed that it’s only a matter of time before the deal gets done.
“Kyrie is an extremely talented player, but at $36 million with one year on his contract, it is hard to find teams that have the construction to offer and are going to accept the risk. You can spend five minutes or five hours looking at it and you’re gonna come down to one answer, the only team is the Los Angeles Lakers. Any trade with the Lakers and Nets for Kyrie Irving has got to have Russell Westbrook in it. It’s just gotta… so I think this is eventually going to happen, but I think it’s going to be a fight along the way.”
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has recently revealed that the Lakers don’t want to give up multiple first-round picks to move Russell Westbrook. He added the Nets would likely want one first-round pick to take on Russell Westbrook and send out Kyrie Irving, and another one to try to “entice another team like the Spurs or Pacers” to take on Russell Westbrook’s contract.
Currently, the Lakers don’t want to give up multiple first-round picks to trade Russell Westbrook, league sources told HoopsHype. In the speculated blockbuster trade of Westbrook and Irving, the Nets would likely want a first-round pick to move Irving and take on Westbrook. The Nets would likely want an additional first-rounder to entice another team like the Spurs or Pacers to take Westbrook as the third team in a deal.
It remains to be seen if Russell Westbrook does end up getting moved in the future. He is still a solid player and could provide veteran experience to a younger roster. There is also always the possibility that Westbrook ends up bouncing back next year.
Hopefully, we see Russell Westbrook perform well next season, whether it is on the Los Angeles Lakers or otherwise. If Westbrook stays on the Lakers, then perhaps Darvin Ham can get the best out of him, and help him fit better next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
