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3 trades for the Los Angeles Lakers to part ways with Russell Westbrook

By Nick Halden

Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates after a 3-point-basket in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates after a 3-point-basket in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives on Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach Collins (33) in the first half of game five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives on Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach Collins (33) in the first half of game five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Would the Thunder welcome Russ back to OKC?

The Lakers still have their 2027 first-round pick they could pair with Westbrook to make a trade a bit more appealing. If the Lakers paired a pick or two with Westbrook would the Thunder bring back the fan favorite?

Having watched in person the atmosphere and love this arena had for Westbrook were palpable. Win or lose they loved Westbrook and the effort and intensity he brought on a nightly basis.

After enduring two rough seasons of losing the Thunder need to find a reason to give their fans hope again. With good young pieces Westbrook could thrive for one final season in OKC. For the Thunder, they would continue to build for the future while acquiring a fan favorite who will make them relevant regardless of the standings.

This trade for the Lakers would be tough considering whatever the Thunder sent back wouldn’t likely impact winning. However, considering his history there and the massive cap space the Thunder make far too much sense to ignore.

Next. 3 Keys to unlocking Russell Westbrook. dark

Sending Westbrook home and giving the Lakers much-needed cap space is a move that benefits both sides and gives the Lakers a chance to make another impact move this offseason.

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