2. Los Angeles Lakers finally trade Russell Westbrook
It does not appear that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to trade Russell Westbrook this season but if they do, this is probably the only trade that is realistic. This is not the best possible return the Lakers could get for Westbrook and draft picks but it is one in which the team does not have to trade its 2027 and 2029 picks.
Trade talks revolving around Westbrook are reportedly still alive between the Lakers and Spurs, signaling that Los Angeles could shock us and make a large trade. San Antonio makes the most sense as a potential trade partner as they would ask for the least in return.
The reason being is two-fold. First is the fact that the players the Spurs are trading to the Lakers are not super valuable. According to recent reports, the Spurs would likely get 2-3 second-round picks for both McDermott and Richardson if they were to trade them.
Even that might be a stretch, though, as most teams would not want to take on McDermott’s salary for next season. With his contract in mind, his value is probably less than what the Spurs want to believe.
This is a situation in which the Spurs could get some kind of first-round draft capital and still be able to take on an expiring contract in return. It helps them tank and gives them more value than two second-round picks.
Los Angeles is trading a first but it is a swap in 2028. The Spurs have not been the most successful franchise as of late, so the Lakers might end up having the worse first-round pick in 2028 anyway. This allows LA to still trade its 2027 and/or 2029 pick in the future if need be.
San Antonio likely pushes for a protected 2027 first-round pick (as they should) and the Lakers should push back. This trade should only happen if the market is so dry for McDermott and Richardson that the Spurs are willing to take a pick swap.