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A 4-team Russell Westbrook trade that checks all the boxes for the Lakers

By Jason Reed

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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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Why the other teams could say yes to this Russell Westbrook trade:

The case for the other three teams in this trade is not as cut and dry as it is for the Los Angeles Lakers but there definitely is still a case to be made for all three parties involved.

Utah Jazz: 

This is perhaps the hardest case to make as the Jazz are in a position to tank this season and definitely wants to be the team that gets the Lakers’ future first-round picks. After all, Jazz president Danny Ainge reportedly covets the Lakers’ two future picks, so that is what he is going to be pushing for.

But at the end of the day, if the Lakers don’t want to trade picks for a bad package and want to get Turner involved the Jazz are not going to have much of an option. This trade keeps them involved and still gets some decent assets in return.

The Jazz get a future first-round pick from the Knicks, a second from the Lakers in next year’s draft and a player in Hield that they can pair next to Colin Sexton to sell tickets for the time being before flipping him at the deadline, likely for another first-round pick.

Sexton-Hield is the perfect backcourt to keep fans entertained while also committing to the tanking and Utah even saves money in this deal, which matters.

Indiana Pacers: 

This is essentially the same trade for the Pacers as the team simply making a deal with the Lakers. They get picks for taking on Westbrook and even get Daniel Theis’ contract off the books. Better yet, they also get a young point guard in Quentin Grimes to help the youth movement.

Not much to be discussed here.

New York Knicks:

After falling short for Donovan Mitchell the New York Knicks may want to still make a trade happen with Utah and Jordan Clarkson would be a good player for them to acquire. New York is loaded with draft picks and has the Bucks’ pick in 2025, so they can afford to trade a pick.

Clarkson would be a solid option to either come off the bench next season or even replace Evan Fournier in the starting lineup alongside Jalen Brunson. Regardless, he gives the team more perimeter scoring, which is never a bad thing.

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