The Lakers are discussing a trade that would send guard Russell Westbrook to the Jazz in exchange for multiple role players, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Along with Westbrook, the Lakers would surrender their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. Utah rotation players such as point guard Mike Conley and shooting guard Malik Beasley would be part of the return for Los Angeles.
If such a deal were to be consummated, Westbrook would then accept a contract buyout with the Jazz, MacMahon added.
Along with the Jazz, sources have told Hoops Wire the Lakers have talked Westbrook trade with the Spurs and Hornets. They have also spoken to the Pistons, sources said, though it has not been determined if Westbrook was mentioned in those talks.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge indicated the Jazz are keeping perspective as they head into Thursday’s trade deadline.
“We’ll try to be careful, but we’re trying to get better as fast as we can — without being panicked, without rushing,” Ainge said, via MacMahon. “We’re in control, and we feel like we’ve got to be smart about the decisions that we make.”
Westbrook, 34, is averaging 15.7 points in 51 games, coming off the bench in all but three. His scoring average is the lowest since his rookie season of 2008-09.
We have more on Westbrook and the Lakers right here.
Howdy Partners Ep. 17: With the Jazz poised to play a central role in the trade market as the deadline nears, it felt like a perfect time to welcome @WindhorstESPN. Here is a midseason edition of, “What’s Going on in Utah?” https://t.co/PrLrtRLOur
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 31, 2023
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“…we feel like we’ve got to be smart about the decisions that we make.”
Yeah that’s generally good policy Danny.