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The perfect Terry Rozier-Russell Westbrook trade package for the Lakers

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts from the bench following a basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on October 10, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts from the bench following a basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on October 10, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Why the Charlotte Hornets could say yes to this Russell Westbrook trade:

Charlotte is the interesting team in this equation as on paper, they should have no desire to bring in Russell Westbrook when they have LaMelo Ball on the roster. Plus, Terry Rozier is a solid player and trading him would more so be punting on him, rather than “improving” by adding Westbrook.

The Hornets could do this trade if it becomes clear throughout the year that Rozier is not part of the long-term plans. Yes, they signed him to an extension, but it is not uncommon for teams to make these deals as they do not want to lose the asset for nothing by letting him walk. By signing an extension, they kept Rozier in Charlotte to have the ability to move him.

And this would be a decent way to move a piece that might not have much value on the trade market because teams are hesitant to trade for four-year deals for small point guards. Charlotte would get multi-year salary relief and would get two very valuable picks in the process.

That is the main benefit of this trade for the Hornets. Those Lakers draft picks could be really high in the draft and if the Hornets take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it becomes obvious how valuable this trade could be.

Plus, Charlotte is such a perfect place for Westbrook to play. It is the perfect small-market team for him to elevate from an 11th seed to a ninth seed with garbage-time regular season numbers.

Westbrook is a Jordan athlete and Michael Jordan himself has been very complimentary towards Westbrook in the past (even comparing Westbrook to a younger version of himself). It all makes too much sense.

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