Lakers Discussing Three-Team Russell Westbrook, D’Angelo Russell Trade, per Report
The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are discussing a three-team trade that would see all three squads swap former All-Star guards, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic.
The trade would send Minnesota guard D'Angelo Russell to Los Angeles, Lakers guard Russell Westbrook to Utah, and Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr. to the Timberwolves.
The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are in discussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as a first-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
Additionally, Charania noted that Los Angeles could potentially receive Utah guard Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt if the trade is finalized.
Ongoing discussions have included Utah's Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt as part of the potential three-team deal to the Lakers, sources said. Sides are working through pick protections and additional draft compensation too, per sources. https://t.co/DoI0EBOBVq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
The potentially massive deal would generate no shortage of storylines if finalized. Westbrook, Russell and Conley Jr. have a combined 11 All-Star appearances between them. Russell spent the first two years of his career with the Lakers, departing under odd circumstances in a June 2017 trade for center Brook Lopez.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT, the Jazz would likely buy Westbrook out of his contract if the trade takes place.
In three-team deal being discussed between Lakers, Wolves and Jazz, a buyout for Russell Westbrook in Utah would be the likely path, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 8, 2023
The NBA’s trade deadline is Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. Los Angeles, Utah and Minnesota are in 13th, 10th and ninth place in the Western Conference, respectively.
