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The LA Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz executed a mega-trade just before the trade deadline involving Russell Westbrook. "Russ," Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and a first-round pick were shipped to the Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves received veteran point guard Mike Conley, the emerging Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and three second-round picks.
LeBron James’s not-so-subtle message to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka about upgrading the roster has finally been acted on. LA acquired former Laker D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
The biggest name involved in the three-team trade was obviously former MVP Russell Westbrook. Pelinka has been desperately trying to move “Russ” since last year’s trade deadline, but no team was even willing to engage in talks with him.
But with Westbrook suddenly becoming the leading contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award, trading him became easier. It also helped that more than half of his $47 million salary has already been paid by the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook’s contract with the Utah Jazz
Mr. Triple-Double didn’t sign a new deal. He’s currently paid for the final season of a five-year contract he signed before the 2018-19 season with the OKC Thunder.
After a tumultuous first season with the LA Lakers, Westbrook expectedly opted into the final year of his contract. Westbrook’s $47 million salary is second only to Steph Curry’s $48 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Utah Jazz president of basketball operations Danny Ainge finally gave in to the allure of Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract and future first-round pick. Utah is rebuilding with a ton of picks they got for former stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Lakers’ draft pick only made their future even more exciting.
LA’s 2027 first-round pick could be huge as the Lakers aren’t expected to be elite past the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era. James is 38 and is on a two-year extension. Both could leave the Lakers after their respective contracts run out.
The Jazz also managed to let go of Mike Conley’s $14 million guaranteed money. Utah has better cap space and what could be a huge 2027 pick for the franchise. It looks like “Trader Dan” was working his magic wand yet again, giving the Jazz a big victory in the three-team trade.
Utah Jazz could buyout Westbrook’s contract
Russell Westbrook has now played for four teams in five years. He is 34 years old and definitely past the rebuilding timeline of the Utah Jazz. It just makes sense for both sides to agree to a buyout.
The favorite to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, he may still have value for another time. If he continues to accept a diminished role off the bench, a contending team might find him an important piece.
Russell Westbrook can sign up for a veteran’s minimum after a buyout is agreed upon. There are already reports that the LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are interested in him.
If Westbrook wants to play for a title-contending team and also get back at the Lakers at the same time, the Clippers will be perfect. Clippers head coach Ty Lue is rumored to be exploring options at the point guard spot.
Based on what he has shown, Russell Westbrook should be an upgrade over John Wall or on some nights, Reggie Jackson.
