I just read that the Pacers have expressed interest to the Lakers about a Westbrook trade. Someone conduct an intervention.
Westbrook-OMG
- Thread starter CriticArisen
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What are the details of the trade? I can't imagine they just want Westbrook. Are there draft picks involved? Does Westbrook's contract come off the books soon? Will the Lakers pay for a large chunk of his contract?
Lots of variables at play. With Haliburton and Duarte, I don't think they probably see a ton of value in Westbrook as a player. I'd hope hes just an important detail needed for them to either acquire more picks, or set themselves up better for the future in some way. And if he would end up actually coming and playing for Indiana, there is the off chance he's motivated and regains some of his former MVP form? But that likely isn't the driver for the Pacers. I'd really hope not anyway.
Lots of variables at play. With Haliburton and Duarte, I don't think they probably see a ton of value in Westbrook as a player. I'd hope hes just an important detail needed for them to either acquire more picks, or set themselves up better for the future in some way. And if he would end up actually coming and playing for Indiana, there is the off chance he's motivated and regains some of his former MVP form? But that likely isn't the driver for the Pacers. I'd really hope not anyway.
Lakers offered Westbrook and 2 future first round picks for Hield and Turner. Pacers want at least another future 1st round pick. Sounds like talks have cooled.
It's a salary dump really for both teams. Pacers aren't resigning Turner and Hield takes away playing time for Duarte and Mathurin. Westbrook at worst is a one year rental in Indy but if he regains any kind of form could be a valuable trade asset at the deadline and the team wouldn't have to worry about taking on a long term asset. Lakers offered two 2027 draft picks and the Pacer's wanted another 2029 first rounder in the process.
I always thought that Westbrook was a very good all round player . He just didnt Fit in with the Lakers , to many egos there . It would be interesting for the Pacers to have a star player on there team again . Sabonas was my favorite player before they traded him , as I really liked the way he played .
He picked up his hated nickname of Westbrick in OKC and Houston couldn't trade him fast enough so more than just the Lakers. A lot of salary ($47MM) for an unpopular player with teammates and many fans.
I saw the highlights of one game last season-RW dribbles the clock down and puts up a sad sad shot so remains tied and goes to OT. End of OT he takes another horrific shot with the clock running down and misses by a mile and Lakers lose. I thought the Lakers coach was going to fall to the court with a massive heart attack. Not often you see an NBA coach with a purple face getting in the grill of a player these days. But hey that's just Russell being Russell.
There was some talk just after the season that the Lakers would throw in draft picks just to get rid of him. The Lakers' billion dollar baby wants him gone. The only thing worse than seeing Lebron set the career scoring record next season would be Russell getting an assist on the play.
If they do pursue again I hope they have a good scheme. He is guaranteed $47MM effin greenbacks next year so $7MM more than Hield+Turner.
I’d take Westbrook but I don’t want the Pacers to do anything that might help the Lakers.
It's an expiring contract. Pacers would essentially be getting two first round picks for Myles Turner (who isn't resigning in Indiana) and paves the way for Duarte and Mathurin as Hield is commanded ~$20mil the next two years.
