Although Russell Westbrook has accepted his new role as a reserve, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still looking to trade him. The problematic point guard was still a member of the Lakers' roster as training camp began.
New head coach Darvin Ham has been consistent in his admiration of the former Most Valuable Player, praising him for both his on-court skill and general demeanor, per SB Nation.
During his first news conference, Ham praised Westbrook as one of the finest players the NBA has ever known. He also believes that the nine-time All Star "still has a ton left in that tank." In a story published by Bleacher Report, Coach Ham confirmed Russell Westbrook "totally understood" his new role.
Lakers Cautious in Making Trade Plans
The Lakers are taking careful steps about trading Westbrook and their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. The Lakers know that those draft selections may be their final chance to acquire anything of value for a while, so they're not going to risk losing them.
Westbrook's $47.1 million contract is a major obstacle to a potential deal, but the team management understands they can't move him without giving at least one of the two draft selections. So, the club has been holding out for the ideal Westbrook trade.
In a recent report, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that the Lakers may be open to trade proposals once more. He also noted that Westbrook's future may still lie with the Lakers.
However, the Lakers are more likely to deal with him before the deadline. There are several Russell Westbrook trade rumors, circulating online, and here are the three most likely ones, according to Sportskeeda.
Indiana Pacers
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly discussed trading Russell Westbrook from the Indiana Pacers. In Bojan Bogdanovic and Myles Turner, the Pacers have two players who could step in immediately as starters if the team moved to Los Angeles.
Shooting guard Buddy Hield and power forward Myles Turner fit that description. Reportedly, the Pacers want the 2027 and 2029 first-round selections that the Lakers have connected to Westbrook in return for Hield and Turner. The Lakers have only provided one first-round selection so far.
Though, the Lakers' best offer for Westbrook before the trade deadline may still be this one. Thus, the Lakers may wind up moving forward with this trade even if they begin underperforming early in the season.
Charlotte Hornets
Bleacher Report published an article in August called "5 Brutal Russell Westbrook Trades LA Lakers Need to Actually Consider." One of their trade suggestions sent Westbrook, the Lakers' 2027 first and 2023 second-round selection to the Charlotte Hornets. Gordon Hayward, an experienced scoring forward, and Mason Plumlee, a veteran center, would return to the Lakers.
The forthcoming assault trial of Miles Bridges, the Hornets' best scorer from the previous season, will further deplete the team's resources. Their top guard, LaMelo Ball, has also been injured and will be out for the season opener after suffering a Grade 2 ankle injury in the preseason.
San Antonio Spurs
Another team that has been linked to talks about a possible deal for Russell Westbrook is the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs rely heavily on the services of experienced 3-and-D forward Josh Richardson and promising defensive big man Jakob Poeltl.
The veteran sharpshooter Doug McDermott has been suggested as a guy the Lakers may be interested in. It has been claimed that the Spurs want one first-round selection in exchange for Richardson and two firsts for Poeltl.
