The Best Trade Packages for Russell Westbrook
Plus What to Do if Russ Stays
Laker fans’ nightmare (or dream?) scenario finally came true this morning, as Russell Westbrook did the sane thing and opted into his $47 million Player Option.
Many still expect the nine-time All Star and two-time scoring champ to find a new home for next year, given all of the “opt-in and trade” noise that has clouded the league over the past few days. Amid all the rumors, there have been plenty of trade scenarios floating around, and I’m here to discuss the best trade packages for Russ and what should happen if the Lakers wind up keeping him.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets still have interest in a deal for Westbrook, but first, let’s clear something up.
The Lakers do have future draft capital way sooner than 2027. The only reason why you only hear about the ’27 and ’29 firsts are because those are the first picks that can be included in a deal (due to the Anthony Davis trade that involved a pick swap in ’23 and option to defer a pick in 2024).
Now, though the Lakers are reluctant to attach any more assets in a Russ trade, it may be the only option for them to successfully get a deal done. Though Hayward is injury prone, he can still be an effective option — he averaged nearly 16 PPG on 45–39–84 splits in 49 games. Likewise, Rozier is still a great point guard and definitely an upgrade over Russ. The 28-year-old averaged 19.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 4.5 APG on 44–37–85 splits in 73 games.
A deal like this has been in the cards for some time, and it’s been gaining steam recently, as the Hornets appear willing and ready to clear up enough cap space to re-sign Miles Bridges to a max deal. Taking on Russ’s $47 million contract may seem like a step backward towards their goal, but it’s more effective to take on an expiring contract than to keep Hayward and Rozier, who will be under contract until 2024 and 2026, respectively.
Indiana Pacers
This framework has been floating around for a while now, and The Athletic’s Jovan Buha mentioned that this was his favorite proposed trade. The Lakers assuage concerns about their two biggest needs — facilitating and shooting — with the return of a solid backcourt in Brogdon and Hield. The Pacers, meanwhile, build around their newfound foundation of Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte, with rookie Bennedict Mathurin also playing a part in their future plans. They also receive a point guard who needs a better situation, a young player who — when given the opportunity — can put the ball in the basket, and another first-round pick. There has been little smoke on this type of trade — even though Brogdon is still in trade rumors — but this could be LA’s best return for Russ.
Toronto Raptors
You may have not expected the Raptors to enter this conversation, and I didn’t either — until this proposal popped up on my Twitter feed.
I know this isn’t a Russell Westbrook deal, but it got me thinking: could the Raptors be a suitable trade partner in a Russ deal, even if they’re the third team?
I think so.
I came up with this proposal based on several factors:
- The Raptors’ need for point guard depth (VanVleet’s current backup is Armoni Brooks)
- OG Anunoby being in trade rumors
- The Hornets’ aforementioned need to clear up cap space
Do I think this deal happens? Probably not. There are still several questions that need to be answered — including OG’s value on the trade market (can Toronto actually trade him for “an elite center”?) and if the Raptors are also willing to trade Gary Trent Jr (keep in mind they almost traded for THT at the deadline, but the Lakers pulled a Rick Astley and didn’t want to give him up).
Additionally, Rozier has been the starting two guard in Charlotte. The last time he came off the bench was during his four years with the Celtics. Would he be willing to be the sixth man again on the Raptors?
Overall, though this deal may look appealing at first glance, that does not necessarily mean it will come to fruition. Still, Hayward and Trent would fill the Lakers’ needs of wings and shooting, respectively, and Birch is an okay small-ball big who’s making $6.6M next season after averaging 4.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG in 18 minutes a game.
What to Do if Russ Stays?
Now, these trade ideas are fun and all, but Laker fans should be — and already are — considering the reality that Russ could be back next season. If that happens, what should the Lakers do?
Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham met with Westbrook recently to discuss his role next season, and they expect him to be focused on defense first, seemingly having the notion that developing great defense will translate to great offense — a tried-and-true team mantra that could be used for individuals as well.
Many, including myself, have long advocated for Westbrook to come off the bench in hopes that he will be more effective surrounded by four solid role players on the floor. Though that could be a decent strategy later in the season, the question becomes: who would start at point guard? Does LeBron go back to his role from the 2019–20 season? Is Austin Reaves ready to make the jump? These questions need to be figured out before such a drastic decision is made.
The other, simpler option, is hoping that Russ’s mindset and play will change under first-time head coach Darvin Ham. Ham was on the Dan Patrick Show recently, and spoke about his goal to “diversify” Russ’s game (as quoted in Silver Screen & Roll):
“Sometimes he’s going to be off the ball slashing, sometimes he’s going to be in the dunker (spot), sometimes he’s going to be initiating things. He may post up a little bit, he may be the screener in pick and rolls. Being able to diversify his plan of attack where he’s not just rushing the ball up the court, facing three defenders every time…everybody needs to be involved with what we’re doing on both sides of the ball and I think it’ll make it easier, lighten the load and also allow us to get stronger as the season gets longer.”
Ham also mentioned that Russ has accepted the challenges set forth, but time will tell if he can really fit and be more of a positive than a negative next year. After all, actions speak louder than words, so it’s time for Russ to show everyone he can be a productive third star.
The purple and gold have plenty of decisions to make with their starting point guard, whether they trade him for better pieces or keep him in hopes that he lives up to his promises. Whatever happens, Russ and the Lakers better find a way to make this relationship work. If they don’t, one side may have to go Nick Saban and prove they can win “with or without” the other.
