I've done pieces of this trade before and wanted to combine all of the different trade ideas into one. Quick note that because Westbrook was signed later, this can only happen after January 16th.

Kings: Similar to my last trade, reports say that the Kings are open to trading Ellis and a protected FRP is what it will take. The Kings also are one of the few teams that have their own 2026 FRP so given their terrible season so far, it probably makes sense to embrace the tank. Ellis is not having a good season, but the Knicks will hope that Mike Brown, who coached him for 3 seasons, knows how to get the best out of him. Losing Westbrook would also help the tank odds because he's playing well for the Kings right now. They get the Washington protected FRP which will turn into two second round picks, likely at 31 or close to it. They also get another SRP as well. Plus, this trade also keeps the Kings below the tax line, as they wouldn't want to pay the luxury tax during such a bad year.

Wizards: Bagley has been quietly having a solid season and since he's only on a 1 year veteran's minimum contract, why not get a second round pick out of it? I actually include 2 because recent reporting references that it may take a second rounder just to get off of Yabu's contract since he's having such a bad season. But I do think Yabu will play better for the Wizards than he does for the Knicks as he just doesn't fit Mike Brown's system and would have more freedom in Washington. Plus, the Wizards reportedly have liked Bagley for his leadership skills and how he can help the many young players on the team navigate the expectations that follow players picked high in the draft. Yabu is a proven leader, as his time on the France national team shows and would be able to fill that role.

Knicks: The Knicks are having a great season but need to make the most out of all of their roster spots, especially Yabu's. So I do think a trade will happen and this trade helps provide depth at several positions of need. Kolek has started playing quite well but the Knicks may not want to count on him come the playoffs and Westbrook is a proven player. He's having a good season (albeit on a bad team) and is scoring well, shooting well, rebounding well and passing well. Basically everything you want out of a backup PG. Also, I think Russ in NY would be just fun and you know he'll always play hard, he's just a competitor. The Knicks also get a young wing in Ellis who can defend multiple positions and shoots well from 3. As I referenced above, he's not playing great and his minutes have been cut, but that might be how the Knicks can take advantage of their limited draft capital and again, hope that Mike Brown can get more out of him after coaching him for 3 season. Also, I know he did reduce Ellis' minutes while he was on the Kings, but he doesn't need a huge role on the Knicks, just to be a backup wing. Plus, the Knicks shooting coach has really had a great year, Josh Hart is hitting 3's at a great rate and Mitch just made 10 FTs in a row! So both Ellis and Westbrook (who's shooting well but historically hasn't been a great 3 point shooter) could benefit. Finally, the Knicks get Bagley to get some insurance at center if Mitch has some trouble with injuries. Bagley is more than capable there, and while he's not known as a defender, he can score and rebound well. He could also see some time at the 4 as he has a decent outside shot. The depth chart looks much better (I'm slotting Bagley at the 4 for now) and could really propel the Knicks to the next level. Nearly every player could get some run if healthy as Kolek and Hukporti have done well with the chances they've gotten and the rest are already proven parts of the rotation.

PG: Brunson, Westbrook, Kolek

SG: Bridges, Deuce, Clarkson

SF: Hart, Ellis, Shamet

PF: Anunoby, Bagley, Diawara

C: KAT, Mitch, Hukporti