Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Russell Westbrook
Washington Wizards Receive: C Montrezl Harrell, F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2023 second-round pick, 2024 second-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers would take on Russell Westbrook as the focus of this particular trade scenario, who is set to earn $44.2 million in 2021-22. His contract is set to expire after the 2022-23 if he were to pick up his $47 million player option for that league-year. The Lakers are in win-now mode with LeBron James so they are uniquely positioned to be a suitor.
For this trade scenario to be possible, Montrezl Harrell would need to exercise his $9.7 million player option for the upcoming season. He’s likely do so, but it’s important to provide that context since he does have the option of turning it down to enter NBA free agency.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Lakers-Pacers trade would send Myles Turner to L.A.
The Washington Wizards would receive Kyle Kuzma for the start of his three-year, $39 million contract extension. Additionally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be included and he’s set to earn roughly $13 million next season and has only $4.9 million guaranteed of his $14 million final-year salary in 2022-23 if he were to be waived before June 28, 2022.
The net salary cap result of this particular NBA trade scenario is that Los Angeles would lose $8.4 million in salary cap space. The Lakers need to worry about paying Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso this offseason, so that’s important to keep in mind.
Let’s take a look at whether this NBA trade scenario centered around Russell Westbrook makes sense for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards.
