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One crazy Russell Westbrook-Julius Randle trade that actually makes sense

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
New York Knicks. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) /

Why would the Knicks consider this trade?

The big question on the table is: Why would the Knicks entertain this proposal? Few teams in the league would even consider touching Westbrook’s contract.

If the Lakers would bite, I would argue that this type of trade could be a steal for New York. The current incarnation of the roster clearly is not working. The 2021-2022 season has confirmed that the postseason berth in 2020-2021 was more outlier than sustainable.

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s time in New York is rumored to be on thin ice, while former star Randle seems to be growing increasingly frustrated in NYC.

To further complicate matters, the Knicks are stuck with several bad contracts. Randle is due between $21 and $32 million in each of the next five seasons. Fournier is due $17 million per year over the next three. And Burks, Walker, and Rose are all due between $8-$10 million over the next two-three seasons.

However, this proposed trade would allow the Knicks to wipe the slate clean. While Westbrook’s deal is ridiculous, the buyout option makes sense considering how many other contracts New York would be freed from.

And perhaps even more importantly, the Knicks could capitalize on the Lakers’ inspiration to win in LeBron James’ final seasons, and they could add valuable assets in the process.

The two first-round picks would be a nice boost to the New York mini-rebuild, while THT would give them another young player or trade chip. I would take this haul for a Westbrook buyout.

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