It would have minimize Lakers followers deep after they discovered they’d missed out on getting Kyrie Irving, who’s going to Dallas as an alternative.
It certain as hell would have upset LeBron James, who publicly advocated for an Irving commerce.
So, it’s no secret LAL ought to act earlier than Thursday’s deadline and one of the very best issues they’ll do is commerce Westbrook for some strong three-and-d gamers.
Let’s take a look at a couple of viable choices:
Westbrook to Toronto for Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.
If the Lakers can embrace a couple of protections onto one of the picks, a return package deal for VanVleet and Trent Jr. may make an enormous distinction to their present 25-29 file.
FVV is averaging 19.8 factors, 6.5 assists and 1.6 steals and his two-way skill is strictly what LA’s backcourt wants. He is also a big-game participant and may deal with the stress throughout crunch time.
The 28-year-old additionally has an inexpensive $22.8 million participant choice for subsequent season.
24-year-old Trent Jr, is a two-way wing that Lakers may positively make use of and is at the moment averaging 18.9 factors, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per sport.
He additionally has a helpful $18.7 million participant choice for 2023-24.
If one or each of these gamers do decide at no cost company and if LA play their playing cards proper, they may theoretically exceed the cap to retain them.
Westbrook to Utah for Mike Conley and Malik Beasley
A deal that sends Westbrook to Utah would nearly positively embrace veteran level guard Mike Conley Jr., wing shooter Malik Beasley and ahead Jarred Vanderbilt because the crew proceed to inform inquiring entrance workplaces they worth the three gamers as price one first-round decide every.
These helpful position gamers, together with a 2029 decide, may benefit the Lakers enormously.
Beasley has a $16.5 million crew choice for 2023-24 and is taking pictures 39.7 % from the sphere whereas averaging 13.5 factors, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
While Conley Jr. is taking pictures 40.7 % from the sphere and averaging 7.6 assists however LA must pay him $24.4 million subsequent season, so maybe Utah may throw in a couple of second spherical picks to sweeten the deal.
Westbrook to Charlotte for Terry Rozier / Gordon Hayward / Mason Plumlee
Hornets guard Terry Rozier, stays one other doable commerce companion for Westbrook and in return Charlotte could be searching for LA’s subsequent two trade-eligible first-round picks, in 2027 and 2029 – one thing they’ve been reluctant to surrender.
Rozier is placing up a career-high 21.7 factors per sport however is taking pictures 33.3 % from three.
Getting his large contract off the books could be nice for Charlotte. The 28-year-old is owed $21 million this season, $22 million in 2023-24, $24 million in 2024-25, and $26 million in 2025-26.
Another participant Charlotte is ready to speak offers for is Hayward. Westbrook does has a $47 million greenback wage, the Hornets may get out of the 2 years and $60 million Hayward is because of be paid and acquire Westbrook’s $47 million till his contract expires in the summertime.
To make the deal extra interesting for the Hornets, the Lakers will embrace a 2027 first-rounder for Hayward and Mason Plumlee would even be included within the deal.
LA would find yourself with two veteran gamers that would very a lot enhance their possibilities of reaching the play-ins.
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