The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers could be gearing up for a trade that would dominate headlines this NBA offseason.
As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), rival executives believe the Pacers could be a viable landing spot for former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
After a turbulent season together, Westbrook and the Lakers appear destined to go their separate ways his offseason. Though Westbrook will inevitably accept his $47 million player option for next season, Los Angeles will look to move the point guard the second they are allowed to do so, as his fit with the franchise was questionable from the moment they traded for him during the previous offseason. While it initially looked like the Westbrook market may be dry, the Pacers could be the team to throw the Lakers a bone and help facilitate a trade for the 33-year-old guard.
Given that Westbrook would make a whopping $47 million next season, putting together a trade package that makes sense for both teams is certainly no easy task. Well, Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley recently took on the assignment and pieced together a deal that is compelling for both parties involved.
Bleacher Report’s Russell Westbrook trade for Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers receive: Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 first-round pick and 2029 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield
This trade features no shortage of moving parts, with each team exchanging key pieces and draft capital to make this one work. With that being said, let us break down the trade by assessing why each team would hypothetically make the deal once they are allowed to this offseason.