Russell Westbrook trade rumors have recently died down with the former MVP playing so well on the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ironically enough, Westbrook has probably been the most exciting part of a pretty disappointing season thus far.
The worse the Lakers get the less likely it becomes that they make any sort of move. One thing we now know for certain is that the team is not going to make a Westbrook trade unless someone very specific becomes available.
The Lakers are reportedly waiting for a confidential target to become available to attempt a Westbrook trade and will not make either the Indiana Pacers trade nor will they consider Kyrie Irving. It is clear they are not waiting for a mid-tier player to become available.
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to bring back a superstar for Russell Westbrook.
Whether or not the team is successful or not in doing this is yet to be seen. However, knowing what we know about the Lakers and about which possible stars could demand out, there are three possible candidates to keep an eye on.
1. Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets have been an absolute disaster this season and after requesting a trade in the offseason, Kevin Durant may circle back with his trade request before the deadline to get out of town once and for all.
A package of Westbrook and two unprotected first-round picks was not enough for the Nets in the offseason but with everything going on and seeing that there was not much of a market for KD, the Lakers might be hopeful of that changing come January.
Los Angeles can actually trade a third first-round pick in a potential deal for KD. On top of a 2027 and 2029 first, LA can also send a 2028 pick swap if they really wanted to. It is unlikely that the Nets would say yes to this, but if there are no other offers, it might just be time to blow it up.