As of now, Russell Westbrook is still a Laker. However, that does not mean that no one is interested in him, and three franchises have contacted the Californians. A denouement does not seem in sight, however, far from it.
While some rotation players have packed their bags, while others have joined their ranks, the Lakers are preparing to start 2022-23 with the same hard core as last year. Clearly, there is a good chance that the trio LeBron James – Anthony Davis – Russell Westbrook be renewed. On the other hand, it is not exactly by choice… Indeed, the Purples and Golds always seek to get rid of the leader.
It must be said that even beyond his stats (17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists on average), the former Wizards made a very bad copy last year. Now that a new coach is in place, with RW not getting along at all with Frank Vogel who has since been sacked, hope remains that he can get back in the saddle. But even with Darvin Ham in charge, we can’t be sure and so he continues to weigh on their finances. Remember that he will receive 47 million dollars over the coming months…
Under these conditions, it is therefore not surprising that LA systematically probes the market, in search of a potential buyer. The Athletic conducted its little investigation, and according to the US media, three teams in particular would still be in contact with the Californians about the Brodie. Unfortunately, negotiations are still stalling, and it’s hard to believe the Brodie will be packing up anytime soon. We will therefore have to be patient:
Utah, New York and Indiana are among the teams that have spoken with the Lakers about a deal involving the transfer of Russell Westbrook as well as draft picks, sources say. There doesn’t appear to be an imminent deal in those conversations, as the trading market will develop over the next two months of the offseason.
Jazz, Knicks and Pacers in contact with the Lakers
Interest from the Pacers is far from new, with the Eastern franchise among the first to be mentioned regarding Russ. She is in total reconstruction and could therefore have absorbed her contract for a year, while the Lakers could get Buddy Hield who has been on their radar for a lease. Unfortunately, such a deal was recently declared stillborn, which is one less option for Rob Pelinka and his staff. Too bad, because it was certainly the most promising.
So the Jazz and the Knicks remain, but again, the chances that the 2017 MVP will leave remain slim. It must be said that each of these teams would like to obtain draft picks. However, LA does not have many left and is not ready to give up those which remain to them at the present time. At this rate, the discussions are therefore likely to end very quickly. It will then be necessary to find a way for the guard to reintegrate into the team, he who is notably in big beef with LeBron James.
For now, it looks like Russell Westbrook is starting 2022-23 wearing the colors of the Lakers. It is to be hoped that the marriage can finally work, for the Purples and Golds as for the Brodie who is still chasing his first championship ring.