Here’s How The Wizards Could Trade For Lakers’ Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

There are going to be a lot of discussions about what the Los Angeles Lakers are going to do with their roster throughout the NBA offseason. One of the players that will be involved in a lot of those talks is point guard Russell Westbrook.

Parting ways with Westbrook feels like something that both parties would benefit from. Westbrook was never able to find his groove in Los Angeles, while the team used a lot of resources and assets to acquire him.

Trading him and breaking his salary up into multiple players could be what is best for the team. To move on from him, they will likely have to attach some future draft capital in the deal as teams aren’t lining up to acquire Westbrook with a $47 million salary for the 2022-23 season should he opt into his contract.

A few teams have been floated as possible landing spots, such as the Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets. Could one of Westbrook’s other former teams, the Washington Wizards, get in on a deal?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Fresh Trade Ideas For Lakers To Move On From Russell Westbrook

Washington traded Westbrook to the Lakers last offseason. Could they be open to bringing him back with even more assets? There is an interesting trade to be made between the teams that could work for both sides.

The Lakers would trade Westbrook, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. If the player framework of this deal is feasible, the Lakers would likely push to only include one first-round draft pick as they are taking back more money with Porzingis under contract one season longer than Westbrook.

It is anyone’s guess what the WIzards are going to do this offseason. They need to figure out Bradley Beal’s long-term plan before doing anything else. But, the need for a point guard exists regardless of what Beal decides to do and Westbrook played well in his season in Washington.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Fresh Trade Ideas For Lakers To Move On From Russell Westbrook

Getting two first-round picks along with Westbrook would make this a no-brainer deal for the Washington Wizards. Even if they only get back one first-rounder, it is a deal they may have a lot of interest in making.

For the Lakers, they are getting back a player they wish they had last season in Caldwell-Pope, who was involved in the trade last season. Porzingis is an intriguing acquisition, as he has All-Star upside when healthy. Unfortunately, he is rarely healthy.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Fresh Trade Ideas For Lakers To Move On From Russell Westbrook

Skillset-wise, Porzingis is a perfect complement alongside LeBron James given his 3-point shooting ability. He has shown that he can be the go-to guy offensively, providing an elite third option behind James and Anthony Davis.

However, the Los Angeles Lakers would be putting even more eggs into a basket of a player that cannot stay on the court. Given what has happened the last two seasons, it is hard to imagine they would be willing to take that chance. However, they will not find a player with more upside than Porzingis in a trade package for Russell Westbrook.

Edwards’ 44 Points Lead Timberwolves To 113-111 Win Over Pacers

Anthony Edwards shines with 44 points, including a game-winning block, as the Minnesota Timberwolves edge out the Indiana Pacers 113-111 during Thursday’s NBA action. Edwards

Bulls Defeat Warriors 125-122 Amid Stephen Curry’s Ankle Injury

DeMar DeRozan‘s heroics led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 125-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors during Thursday’s NBA action. With a three-point play

Rockets’ Alperen Sengun Makes NBA History vs. Clippers

The NBA is in good hands when it comes to the center position. There are some very talented players in the league playing in the