Lakers, Timberwolves and Jazz agree to Westbrook/Russell Mega Trade

After reports emerged on Monday evening of a potential 3 way trade, Adrian Wojonwski confirmed just after 8pm EST the trade was confirmed. Earlier in the day

After reports emerged on Monday evening of a potential 3 way trade, Adrian Wojonwski confirmed just after 8pm EST the trade was confirmed. Earlier in the day Chris Haynes reported that Russell Westbrook would likely be bought out by the Jazz so would potentially be free to sign with another playoff team.

ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023

Also in deal: Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones to Jazz, Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Timberwolves, sources said.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023

The Lakers' 2027 first-round pick to the Jazz is protected 1-to-4, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023

How Does This Effect Charlotte?

The Lakers were a long rumoured trade partner in a potential Terry Rozier deal, with this move the likelihood of Rozier being moved significantly decreases. The good news is the rest of the trade market might now "Unblock" as the rest of the league was likely waiting for this deal to go through. Teams might now start turning their attention towards some of Charlotte's expiring contracts as they get closer to the deadline.

With this move the Utah Jazz also look set to be less competitive for the last quarter of the season after moving some of their impactful veterans. The Hornets currently own Utah's 2023 2nd round pick, so this trade does potentially improve the standing of that pick.

Earlier in the day Chris Haynes reported that Russell Westbrook would likely be bought out by the Jazz so would potentially be free to sign with another playoff team.

Should Russell Westbrook secure a buyout from the Utah Jazz after the three-team trade is complete, the Los Angeles Clippers are said to have interest in the star guard, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 9, 2023