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Los Angeles Lakers: 2 reasons why a Russell Westbrook trade isn’t absurd

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The Los Angeles Lakers have a good trade package for Russell Westbrook

Yes, the Washington Wizards made the playoffs because of the play-in tournament last season and some Wizards fans may hold onto that for reason to keep Westbrook. But let’s be honest: Westbrook does not have much trade value and if the team can move off of his contract it would benefit.

The only player that the Rockets could get for Westbrook was John Wall, who is on a terrible contract of his own. Not many teams wanted either Wall or Westbrook and that is indicative of his value.

Sure, the team can keep him but a Bradley Beal trade is likely around the corner and they are not going anywhere with Russell Westbrook If they get the chance to move him then they will jump on it.

So what is the package that the Wizards could jump on?

Two things would have to happen here. Dennis Schroder would have to agree to a sign-and-trade and Montrezl Harrell would have to opt into his contract. Both of which are possible.

Schroder likely is not going to get the $100-120 million that he is looking for in free agency and while this deal won’t pay him quite that much, it is the most he will get from a team. Harrell would get to go to a team where he starts and can up his worth. He did nothing to increase his worth last season and Washington provides a long-term play for him.

With Westbrook making $41 million, Schroder’s salary would be just under $20 million. That is a slight overpay for Schroder, but it would be easier for Washington to move the assets this way rather than having one large contract in Westbrook.

Harrell is only owed money for one year, Kuzma is a young player whose $13 million salary is manageable and Schroder could increase his worth and eventually get dealt, whereas no other team might bite on Westbrook.

So why would the Los Angeles Lakers trade for an asset that we just explained as hard to move?

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