Here’s how Russell Westbrook could help Knicks-Jazz in Donovan Mitchell trade talks
It’s been over a year since Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and what a year it’s been. The homecoming for the 2017 NBA MVP was meant to result in another championship for LeBron James and the Lakers, but it ended up having the opposite effect. And now, Westbrook could help the New York Knicks with a move that could eventually lead to a title.
Last week, Los Angeles traded Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to Utah in exchange for Patrick Beverley. That move increased the chances of Westbrook not spending the 2022-23 season with the Lakers, which is where the Knicks come in.
According to Marc Stein (subscription required), “there’s a decent chance that the Lakers will be involved in a deal.” If that were to happen, that’d benefit New York, who to this point has refused to meet Danny Ainge’s high asking price. Stein wrote that Ainge “covets” Westbrook’s $47.1 million expiring deal, but that a potential deal will depend on what players would end up on the Lakers.
The Knicks want Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz want as many as four unprotected first-round picks, and the Lakers want to be labeled as a contender. Is there a deal that will satisfy all three teams?
A three-team trade involving the Knicks, Jazz, and the Lakers could help NY land Donovan Mitchell
Los Angeles’ two first-round picks (2027, 2029) could end up benefitting New York. If the Lakers agreed to include them both in a deal, it’d mean that the Knicks wouldn’t have to give up as many picks to the Jazz.
It might involve players such as Evan Fournier and Cam Reddish leaving New York, but if that’d help spark the Lakers’ interest, then that’s what would need to be done. Of course, that’s not the only two players that the Knicks would have to give up, as the Jazz would be receiving a couple of players from New York as well.
The Knicks front office should be on the phone with the Jazz and the Lakers working to find a deal that would benefit each team. New York would still have to give up a good amount to get Mitchell, but it’s a move that the Knicks have been patiently waiting for.
A star could soon be on his way to New York as the result of a three-team deal, and if that ends up being the case, Knicks fans should be grateful for Westbrook. If he would’ve had a successful 2021-22 season, this trade wouldn’t even be a topic of discussion. And as Stein mentioned, LA’s reportedly preparing for the chance that Westbrook will still be on the team this upcoming season.
Let’s hope that both Russell Westbrook and Donovan Mitchell will both be suiting up for new teams in October. After all, a fresh start would benefit them both.
