Russell Westbrook. Arguably the most fascinating story in the NBA. Just 5 years ago, he was an MVP leading his team to the playoffs and is now an overpaid bench PG for the struggling Lakers. And it feels even more fitting as Frank Vogel just got fired so here we go!
Charlotte Hornets
Just 2 days ago, is when the major trade talks of Russ began. Why? Because Marc Stein reported Charlotte as a team to watch in Russ trades. And honestly out of everyone on the Lakers, AD would be no. 1 IMO to go from LA to Charlotte and Russ would be at the bottom. But Mitch Kupchak has done good for CHA so far, so I'd trust him for right now.
TRADE:
Hornets: Russell Westbrook, 2026 FRP (top 5 protected), 2023 SRP, 2028 SRP
Lakers: Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee
Honestly, I still don't think this would be wise for Charlotte. My main problem is with the development of LaMelo Ball. If Russ stunts his progression, that would be awful. Plus, he comes off the bench and makes 47M? The FRP is good but maybe not good enough to get it done.
LINEUP:
LaMelo-Rozier-Oubre-Bridges-Harrell
Russ-Bouknight-Martin-PJ-Kai Jones
LA absolutely fleeces Charlotte in this deal. Hayward is still solid and I love his fit as a 3rd option with AD and LBJ. Plumlee is a solid rim protector and rebounder that could run the 5.
LINEUP:
LBJ-THT-Hayward-Davis-Plumlee
Indiana Pacers
And just a few hours before writing this, Shams reported Indiana was a very possible destination. I can see some ideas for it but Rob Pelinka is looking to get Buddy Hield & Malcolm Brogdon. It would be quite a price to pay but I trust Indiana to keep this solid.
TRADE:
Pacers: Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2025 FRP, 2028 FRP
Lakers: Buddy Hield, Malcolm Brogdon, Goga Bitadze
For Indiana, they'd have a similar problem to Charlotte by trading for Russ with already having 2 developing guards in Chris Duarte and Tyrese Haliburton. THT is a nice extra piece they could use and 2 FRPs in the future from LA sounds very enticing.
LINEUP:
Hali-Duarte-THT-Keegan-Turner
Russ-McConnell-Brissett-Jackson-unnamed C
For LA, this is immense value for 2 overrated players. I think Brogdon is a PG that everyone kind of wants since he's just so perfect at everything. He can pass, shoot, defend, rebound and finish at the rim. And Hield is an elite shooter that they almost got but chose Russ instead. And Goga is a young big? IDK lol.
LINEUP:
Brogdon-Nunn-Hield-LBJ-AD
Houston Rockets
Back at the trade deadline, the only real offer for Russ was from Houston which included Wall and Gordon to LA for Russ, THT and an FRP. Pelinka was selfish and didn't do it, which was an awful moment in his career. But Houston comes back with another offer.
TRADE:
Houston: Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 FRP (lotto protected)
Lakers: John Wall, Christian Wood, Garrison Matthews
I really like this for Houston. If Russ accepts his PO this year and is a UFA next year, then they get a massive haul back. Nunn is a nice scoring guard to be a playmaker as well and THT adds to the never ending list of young, developing Rockets wings. The FRP is also pretty solid as well.
LINEUP:
KPJ-Jalen-Christopher-Paolo-Sengun
Russ-Gordon-THT-KJ-Garuba
For LA, this is perfect. Obviously the Lakers have been linked with Wall, even when he was still a superstar for Washington. Also, pretty ironic how they'll be getting traded for each other twice. Anyways, Wood becomes that defensive and rebounding 5 for them that they desperately need. He can also stretch the floor. And Matthews' hustle plus 3-&-D talent will be very appreciated by LBJ.
LINEUP:
Wall-Matthews-LBJ-AD-Wood
Detroit Pistons
Now listen, this sounds crazy, I know. But, I think if they traded for him, they'd immediately buy him out and let him sign elsewhere. But, I think this could be a possibility that Detroit is willing to try.
TRADE:
Pistons: Russell Westbrook, 2025 and 2028 FRP (via LAL), 2023 and 2026 SRP (via CLE)
Lakers: Jerami Grant, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk, Cedi Osman
Cavaliers: Kendrick Nunn
Detroit would be making the best decision out of everyone on this list so far by buying out Russ to not interfere with Cade, Killian, Frank Jackson or anyone else's development. The 2 FRPs are nice plus 2 SRPs, which is great for what they give up. I think Russ could go to a team like NYK or a contender for the best odds at a ring.
Lineup: Cade-Killian-Saddiq-Bagley-Stewart
LA was rumored to try and go for Grant at the deadline, but couldn't get a deal done. I like this for them getting him as a 3rd option to score buckets. Olynyk can space the floor, Cedi reunites with LBJ to be a bench presence and Cory fills some PG roles.
LINEUP:
LBJ-THT-Grant-AD-Olynyk
And Cleveland needs some backup PG play behind Garland. Nunn is a nice 6th man scorer.
Philadelphia 76ers
First off, hear me out. Philly would be reuniting James and Russ in an odd way whilst keeping Embiid and Maxey. He would just be a bench PG but he should go all in for a ring now rather than chase stats. LMK how this deal is, cause it's crazy!
TRADE:
76ers: Russell Westbrook, John Collins
Lakers: Tobias Harris, Kevin Huerter
Hawks: Talen Horton-Tucker, Danny Green, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Springer, 2025 FRP (from PHI)
Philadelphia takes a massive W. Russ plays behind Maxey and helps mentor him as a playmaking and explosive guard off the bench. Collins is a very underrated fit next to Joel. He spaces the floor and rebounds, which I think is nice for them.
LINEUP:
Maxey-Harden-Milton-Collins-Embiid
Russ-Korkmaz-?-Niang-?
LA would be weird after this deal but for some reason, I love it for them. Tobi has been put into situations where he needs to score and for LA, he isn't forced. Plus Huerter is a great SG replacement to flat out score in replacement of THT.
LINEUP:
Nunn-Huerter-LBJ-Harris-AD
SchlenkSystem, Vignesh and any other Hawks fans, let me explain. Imagine the perfect contradiction of Trae Young's offense with Matisse Thybulle's defense in the backcourt!!! They already have Gallo to fill Collins' spot, THT is a solid young wing to add and Jaden Springer could develop into a solid athletic backup PG. The FRP is also valuable considering they have quite a few extra from other trades as well as this one, which could help them make a huge splash in the offseason.
So, that's the post! LMK how I did and would you accept these trades? LMK and please like and flame. And for now, signing off. Bye!