The Los Angeles Lakers’ ongoing efforts to trade Russell Westbrook might finally pay off.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania outlined a proposed three-team, blockbuster deal Wednesday that would send Westbrook and a draft pick or picks to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz would move Mike Conley to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who in turn would ship D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers. Russell, of course, spent his first two seasons with the Lakers after being selected No. 2 overall in 2015.
The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are in discussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as a first-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
Charania added that the Jazz have discussed moving Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Lakers as part of the deal.
Ongoing discussions have included Utah's Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt as part of the potential three-team deal to the Lakers, sources said. Sides are working through pick protections and additional draft compensation too, per sources. https://t.co/DoI0EBOBVq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
Obviously, there are plenty of moving parts to this potential blockbuster, and until it’s done, it’s nothing more than a proposal. Just a few days ago, the Lakers were reportedly trying to move Westbrook in a deal to acquire Kyrie Irving.
Still, from Charania’s report, this deal seems more likely than not. NBA fans quickly weighed in on the news.
To me, this more so comes off as cap flexibility move for the off-season for the Lakers. Of course, those players could help this season.
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) February 8, 2023
“LeBron fifth title incoming, I fear,” tweeted Daniel Corrigan.
LeBron fifth title incoming, I fear.
— Daniel Corrigan (@Corrigan_Tweets) February 8, 2023
D Lo to Lakers fans pic.twitter.com/MSKWQxG2uK
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) February 8, 2023
D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt would be a huge get for Westbrook and change would be a great trade for the Lakers; emphasis on Vanderbilt. https://t.co/9UxdnaIYqd
— Shamhat&Enkidu (@3xOscarWinner) February 8, 2023
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