Hornets guard Terry Rozier was on the Lakers‘ radar over the offseason as a potential trade candidate, and Los Angeles still has a “high” level of interest in him, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
As Charania outlines, the Lakers and Hornets explored possible three- and four-team trade scenarios involving Rozier during the summer, but his availability during the season will depend on how Charlotte performs.
As Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer noted earlier today, Charlotte was mentioned as a possible landing spot for Lakers guard Russell Westbrook earlier in the year, but that was when the Hornets were interested in moving off some multiyear salary in preparation of a lucrative new deal for Miles Bridges. With Bridges’ basketball future up in the air, that may no longer be a priority.
Still, it’s possible that if the Hornets fall out of playoff contention, a deal structured around Westbrook, Rozier, and perhaps Gordon Hayward (who is owed $31.5MM in 2023/24) could appeal to the team, despite a reduced need to create future financial flexibility.
Here’s more from Charania:
- The Lakers have had preliminary discussions in recent weeks about a possible trade involving Spurs swingman Josh Richardson, sources tell Charania. San Antonio still has a significant amount of cap room available this season and could take on Westbrook’s contract without having to match salaries. However, the Spurs would need to trade at least one more player in addition to Richardson to be able to absorb Westbrook’s $47MM+ cap hit.
- Charania reiterates that the Bucks, Heat, and Hawks are potential suitors for veteran forward Jae Crowder, who remains away from the Suns as they seek a trade. According to Charania, Phoenix and Milwaukee have engaged in some recent discussions about a possible deal involving Crowder.
- As we relayed in a full story earlier this morning, Charania also reported that the Timberwolves have discussed possible extensions with Naz Reid and Jaylen Nowell.
Westbrick and Nunn for Rozier and Hayward has been a match made in heaven for a while. If the Lakers are super reluctant to give up those #1s… then idk what to tell ya. Enjoy a losing season.
Funny how the lakers think somebody is going to take on Westbrook without giving up both draft picks. Just shows how much the Lakers are living in a fantasy world. Westbrook is a buy out candidate for whoever picks him up so 2 draft picks is a must.
I think the team that is willing to take Russ is trying to tank and get a top 3 pick in this years draft.
Getting a top 2-3 pick in this draft isn’t guaranteed but getting two unprotected firsts for Westbrook’s baggage is where deals open up.
Jae Crowder will look great on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jae Crowder for Grayson Allen straight up works salary wise
All these players nice and I’m fans of but I’m not giving up first round picks for them.
Why give up 2 draft picks just to win 45 games?
If I felt confident Hayward would play more than 45 games I’d probably agree.
Heyward isn’t a great contract either. Injury prone and multiple years left. Trading for a guy that expires after this year. 2 picks isn’t automatic.
Why would Phoenix want Milwaukee’s garbage? Robinson and the Heat still make the most sense.
If they take Robinson from the heat they’re just adding Miami’s baggage. Robinsons not trash, he is on a horrendous contract however.
What garbage is MKE supposedly offering? I didn’t see names or draft compensation mentioned in the article.
But let’s say it’s G Allan and a 2nd round pick. Isn’t a guy who will actually suit up for them plus a lottery ticket better than a guy they clearly don’t want around, and doesn’t want to be there?
For the record, I’m not saying I want Crowder, or that exact trade proposal, just wondering where you came up with ‘Milwaukee’s garbage’?
Westbrook’s value is only decreasing. The sooner they get rid of him the better. The Lakers did themselves no favors trying to make it work.
If Westbrook stays 1 more month, Lakers are done for the season
They’re done either way.
Not yet, trade him
According to espn, Westbrook is unstoppable complaining whenever he is on the bench. In other words he has started with sacrifice and ended with suffering
Coach needs to changes his attitude first
His feeling is the key
He is mvp. The prime age is 32
Are you saying Russ is 32 don’t get the last part because dude will be 34 next month and never been a great shooter and if he can’t attack the basket. He won’t be as good
My best solution
1
Send Westbrook home
2
Trade him
Lakers need attitude like
Wiggins
Stay humble, 1 overall pick
Kevon Looney
Richardson/Doug/Poeltl for
Brick and those 2 picks
Get Bron them LAZERS and soft as AD a buddy to play Center
Poeltl is good for specific match ups (Versus teams with legit centers) But he will struggle against teams that play five out (Clippers)
But how many good teams actually play five out aside from the Clippers?
Warriors?
Sign Melo, at least he can score. Turnstile defense but who cares at this point. Hell get 15 every night.