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2 Westbrook trades Lakers can make with Jazz after Donovan Mitchell deal

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers hug after the game at Crypto.com Arena on January 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers hug after the game at Crypto.com Arena on January 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

1. Los Angeles Lakers get Mike Conley in return

Before we dive into the meat and potatoes of this deal, it is important to realize that any Russell Westbrook trade at this point is going to have to include two future first-round picks. The only possible way the Lakers could have done the deal for one is in a Knicks-Jazz three-team trade where New York was sending a boatload of picks as well.

While that might seem concerning, especially with LeBron James getting old, the Lakers do have more first-round picks in the next several years than advertised. Los Angeles simply cannot trade a pick until 2027 because of the complications of trading future draft picks. In reality, they have a first-round pick in three of the next four years.

This is the worse of the two deals as the Lakers would be getting Mike Conley in return. Conley is certainly on the decline and is not going to be that much better than Russell Westbrook at point guard.

However, Conley also does not believe he is still the best player on the floor (like Westbrook) and would fit exponentially better as a point guard with a smaller role. That much is undeniable.

Bojan Bogdanovic is also a nice piece as he would be fantastic as a third scoring option in LA on the wing that can provide a nice off-ball shooting presence that plays off of the gravity of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The problem with this trade is Conley’s contract. He makes $22.4 million this season (which is why Utah is okay letting him go) and is under contract next season. While it is partially guaranteed, the Lakers would still be dealing with a $14 million cap hit at best for a player they would have to cut.

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