The Lakers re-acquire D'Angelo Russell from the Timberwolves in exchange for Russell Westbrook, who joins the Jazz.
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Russell Westbrook’s days as a Laker are over; the Lakers have completed a three-team transaction that sent the superstar point guard to the Utah Jazz. According to Shams Charania, the Lakers are sending Russ and a 2027 first-round choice (1-4 protected) to the Jazz in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarrett Jack. Meanwhile, Mike Conley Jr. of Utah will be joining Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert in Minnesota… along with a second-round selection.
Russ was acquired by the Lakers in a deal with the Wizards in 2021… in return for the 2017 MVP, the Lakers traded Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Washington. Westbrook’s final game with the Purple and Gold came against the Thunder on Tuesday night when LeBron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time greatest scorer.
Russ’ time with the Lakers was fraught with ups and downs, as the former triple-double machine battled to find his place alongside James and Anthony Davis. Darvin Ham, the team’s first-year head coach, opted to bring Westbrook off the bench three games into the season, and he’s thrived in it, averaging 15.9 points per game and 7.5 assists per game.
Westbrook has a solid case for NBA Sixth Man of the Year, but the Lakers are going in a different way… despite his consistent productivity with the team’s second unit.
According to sources, Westbrook’s presence in Utah will result in a buy-out, allowing him to join another team. Russ, who signed a $47.1 million contract extension before the season began, has previously played for the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, and Lakers… and is slated to become an unrestricted free agency at the end of this season.
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Mr. Triple-Double did not agree to a new contract. He is being paid for the last season of a five-year contract he signed with the OKC Thunder before the 2018-19 season. After a turbulent first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook opted into the last year of his deal. Westbrook’s salary of $47 million is second only to Steph Curry’s $48 million contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Danny Ainge, president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz, eventually succumbed to the temptation of Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract and future first-round choice. Utah is rebuilding thanks to a slew of draught selections acquired in exchange for former mainstays Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Lakers’ draught choice just added to the excitement of their future.
The Lakers’ 2027 first-round choice might be significant, given the team isn’t anticipated to be elite beyond the LeBron James-Anthony Davis period. James is 38 years old and has a two-year contract extension. Both might leave the Lakers when their contracts expire.
The Jazz was also able to release Mike Conley’s $14 million guaranteed money. Utah has more cap room and what might be a significant 2027 draught selection. It appears that “Trader Dan” was once again at work, granting the Jazz a significant victory in the three-team exchange.
