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Lakers: 2 teams that could trade for Russell Westbrook in the offseason

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during game against the Brooklyn Nets during their Chinese New Year celebration at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during game against the Brooklyn Nets during their Chinese New Year celebration at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have taken a big step back this season. After a surprisingly good season last year that saw Julius Randle become the breakout star of the league, Randle has regressed back to what he was before and the Knicks have not been that great of a basketball team.

The Knicks have not been horrible but they definitely have fallen short of expectations. The Knicks currently have a losing record and might struggle to make the play-in tournament. It is a shame, really, as the Knicks seemed to have been finally building something.

The problem for the Knicks is this does nothing to help their image as a poorly run team. Add the fact that Julius Randle has tanked his value for a potential superstar star and the Knicks do not have many options.

With no impactful cap space to spend in free agency next year and no route to get a star, the Knicks absolutely might be willing to take on Russell Westbrook in a one-year deal to see if he can at least raise the floor of the team with Julius Randle.

Get some eyeballs on the Knicks for a season and show that they care about their players (guys respect Westbrook and if the Knicks take care of him then players will notice). Then, the Knicks will get a big contract spot open for the 2023-24 season to try and sign a superstar.

The Knicks have the contracts to trade. Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker and Nerlens are all expendable and could be traded for Russ. Throw in Alec Burks if the Knicks really want to save money.

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