Several teams inquired about acquiring Russell Westbrook, but talks hit a snag with each for the same reason. Plus an executive believes the Thunder will take to form a scary ‘twin towers.’
Catch up on all of the latest whispers in our NBA Rumor Mill!
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THE THREE TEAMS THAT ENGAGED IN WESTBROOK TRADE TALKS
The Los Angeles Lakers engaged in Russell Westbrook trade talks with the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, reports ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, but all talks hit a similar hurdle.
Suitors wanted the Lakers to include both of their future 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in the deal, but LA was only prepared to part with one unless the return package included a top-line star such as Donovan Mitchell or Kyrie Irving.
Of course, the Jazz eventually dealt Mitchell to Cleveland for a major haul, while the Nets weren’t willing to break up their core.
Westbrook in June opted into the final year of his $47.1 million contract ($74m AUD) with the Lakers, an expiring deal that could be useful for teams looking to open up significant cap space next off-season.
The former MVP ultimately stayed on the Lakers’ roster ahead of Wednesday’s season-opening clash against the Golden State Warriors.
The report states that the Lakers originally only wanted to sign Dennis Schroder if they found a trade partner for Westbrook.
Schroder, who signed a one-year deal with the Lakers in September, will be sidelined for the next three to four weeks after undergoing thumb surgery.
EXECUTIVE BELIEVES THUNDER WILL TANK TO FORM ‘TWIN TOWERS’
An NBA executive expects OKC general manager Sam Presti to order the team to tank in a bid to land generational talent and likely No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus.
The French Wembanyana, who stands at 7-foot-3 with an 8-foot wingspan, is being touted by some as the best prospect to enter the league since LeBron James.
The 18-year old averaged an incredible 36.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks in the two exhibition games the Metropolitans 92 played against the G-League Ignite to become an overnight sensation.
The rebuilding Thunder will be without Pick 2 Chet Holmgren for the season due to a foot injury in a big blow, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is recovering from an ankle injury that seems to put the playoffs out of reach.
And so OKC is one of several teams including the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz expected not to prioritize winning this season to try and bring in Wembanyana.
“Presti has come this far. He’s not going to stop now,” a rival executive reportedly said. “The injury to Chet makes it easier. He’ll try to land twin towers with Wenbamyama.”
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