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Lakers: 3 team blockbuster trade that lands Russell Westbrook in New York

By Jonathan Kiernan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point shot as RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point shot as RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Why the Sacramento Kings would say yes

One of the worst kept secrets in the NBA has been the Sacramento Kings‘ willingness to trade Shooting guard Buddy Hield.

For the past two seasons, the Kings have drafted players who directly infringe on Hield’s playing time and have forced him to play more small forward in order to keep his minutes at a steady level.

The Kings drafted Tyrese Haliburton who is slowly turning into a star. they have Terence Davis, Jahmi’us Ramsey, Davion Mitchell, and De’Aaron Fox. The guard spots are beginning to get pretty crowded. Hence why Hield has been forced to play minutes at the 3.

Hield is undersized for the shooting guard spot, let alone the small forward position.

Having Hield play 3 shows that they are in need of depth at the position.

With Evan Fournier and Alec Burks, the Kings get their depth at the small forward position with both players also capable of playing shooting guard.

Fournier is a 38.1% shooter from the 3-point line this season and Alec Burks is shooting a scorching 40.8% so the Kings wouldn’t have a major falloff when it comes to 3-point shooting.

The Kings arguably get better at 3-point shooting, more depth at the small forward position, and allow for Haliburton to firmly take hold of the shooting guard spot and move to the next level.

Hield has started fewer than 10 games to this point of the season compared to starting every game he played last season.

The Kings are ready to move on from him.

Damian Jones is included in the trade also due to two players coming in. With Holmes, Bagley III, Thompson, Len, and Metu all capable of playing the center position, Jones is included to clear the logjam.

The Lakers also throw in Kent Bazemore and a 2023 2nd round pick to the Kings because the Lakers usually have to overpay the Kings due to the previous history.

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