FEBRUARY 9: The trade is now official, the Timberwolves have confirmed in a press release. As expected, Minnesota waived Bryn Forbes to open a spot on their roster to complete the deal.
FEBRUARY 8: A three-team deal involving the Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves is in the process of being finalized, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The trade will send Minnesota guard D’Angelo Russell to L.A., along with Utah’s Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt.
The Wolves will get point guard Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the less favorable of the Wizards’ and Grizzlies’ second-round picks in 2024 (from the Lakers) and Utah’s second-round picks in 2025 and 2026, sources tell Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Utah will receive Russell Westbrook and a 2027 first-round pick from the Lakers that is top-four protected. In addition, the Jazz will acquire Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones.
After months of searching, the Lakers found a way to unload Westbrook’s $47.1MM contract and only had to part with one of their two tradable future first-rounders. Westbrook has adapted well this season to a sixth man role under new head coach Darvin Ham, but his contract was still considered a burden and his lack of outside shooting made him a poor fit for L.A.’s offense.
The Jazz are expected to pursue a buyout with Westbrook once the trade is official, tweets Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. If an agreement is reached, the Clippers would be interested in signing Westbrook, according to Haynes (Twitter link). He adds that the Bulls are also considering Westbrook, which would reunite him with Billy Donovan, his former coach in Oklahoma City (Twitter link).
The Lakers were able to add the shooters they had been seeking in Russell and Beasley, along with a versatile frontcourt addition in Vanderbilt. Russell, whom L.A. selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, is connecting at 39.1% from three-point range this season, while Beasley is shooting 35.9% from long distance, providing two new weapons to space the floor around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Russell will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, Beasley has a $16.5MM team option for 2023/24, and Vanderbilt’s $4.7MM salary for ’23/24 is mostly non-guaranteed, so the Lakers will still have the flexibility to create significant cap room in the offseason if they so choose. They could also operate over the cap by hanging onto Beasley and Vanderbilt and attempting to re-sign Russell and Rui Hachimura, whom they acquired last month.
The Wolves, who have encountered difficulty incorporating Rudy Gobert into their offense, should benefit by reuniting him with Conley, his former Jazz teammate. Conley also brings a veteran presence that was lacking on a young Minnesota team — he’ll be charged with helping to make the Wolves’ Twin Towers approach work once Karl-Anthony Towns returns from his calf injury.
Unlike Russell, Conley is under contract for next season — his $24.4MM salary is partially guaranteed for $14.3MM. That will reduce the Wolves’ cap flexibility this offseason, but also ensures they won’t have to worry about losing their starting point guard for nothing in free agency.
As Wojnarowski points out (via Twitter), by acquiring the Lakers’ lightly protected 2027 first-rounder, the Jazz are adding another valuable piece to their collection of draft assets. Utah will have 15 first-round picks with little or no protections through 2029, along with a talented young core to build around and possibly more than $60MM in cap space this summer.
Even before a potential Westbrook buyout, the deal will open up a roster spot for the Jazz, who are sending out four players and only taking three back. The Wolves, who are acquiring two players for one, will have to waive a player from their 15-man roster to accommodate the extra newcomer.
Jazz return seems pretty light here, no? Conley, Beasley, and Vanderbilt for Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and a lightly protected 1st? I suppose clearing future salary is a big priority for the Jazz.
That was my first thought too. Maybe some more picks that haven’t been reported yet?
Extremely light. I thought they’d get a 1st for each of these guys?
It’s too good to be true
Lo
Ingram
Lebron
Randle
Zubacs
–
Kuzma
(2019 pick #4) was Hunter (Garland available went 5)
Lonzo Ball
(2020 pick 28) was Jaden McDaniels/ (Des Bane available went 30)
Hart
I’m sure I’m forgetting other valuable players washed aside..
but that’s what the roster could look like without Lebron playing GM
The Lakers could have used your “all knowing”-ness huh, Dookie?
Alex Caruso, Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson, Brook Lopez …. Jayson Tatum was on the board when Lonzo Ball drafted at #2.
ya they could’ve been unbelievably loaded if they weren’t chasing broken stars like Russ and AD and clearing cap to NOT sign Kawhi
That squad does not win a Chip – even in the bubble.
Ah yeah I’m sure Iso scorers Randle and Ingram would look GREAT next to LeBron
Along with Lonzo Ball on crutches
Meanwhile in reality they actually won a championship.
won a Championsh’risk **
Beasley and Vanderbilt have been speculated to be worth first round picks basically every season now, and it’s basically always wrong.
Vando is one of my favorite players but he’s a 20 minute role player at his best. Beasley can shoot the lights out but has had multiple off the court issues already.
Conley had little value around the league since he’s expensive and not an upgrade for most teams that are contending. The Wolves are praying Conley can help Gobert be better, and they at least carry over the salary now to next season. The three second round picks are fine but hardly useful assets.
I think the Jazz did well, especially if the Lakers struggle in that 2027 season. If the Jazz get say the 8th pick in 2027, I think everyone agrees it’s a massive win for them. Traded three low tier assets for a potential lottery pick in 2027.
It’s the jazz LOL who cares they will never win a championship, Lakers win this trade c’mon stop it
No additional picks. But they did get free soda for 5 years.
Light they are a team that has no chance to win so they are just going full tank .
Correct incredibly light in value. Jazz got hosed on value! Unless you don’t understand fair value in trades. Sure trading starters for first round picks with zero value sound philosophy LA Lakers fan!
jazz are banking on Lakers being a bottom 10 team in 2027. That is a lot of money just for a draft pick. lakers might have won on this trade if all 3 play well.
Jazz are also banking on a shot at Wemby this summer. As my Cavs demonstrated 21 years ago, the best way to tank for a generational talent is to trade away your point guard (in that case, Andre Miller). Without a point guard your team will still work and try hard, but can’t close out games. Wemby will be worth it. Heck, even runner-up to Wemby is a pretty great player. (Henderson, I believe)
The Jaz had more guards than they could ever use. They can toss off Conley,Alexander-Walker & Beasley without missing a beat. They still have Clarkson, Sexton, Agbaji & Horton-Tucker to handle guard duties. There won’t be a drop off as Clarkson, Sexton &Agbaji are all shooting lights out with excellent defensive stats. This clears up a serious log jam in the back court. The loss of Vanderbilt will hurt on defense but he was a role player at best. The guys coming in are likely to be non factors. This summer the Jazz will have a lot of cap space a couple 20 point scorers & be ready to add on to a club that bottomed out near .500. Having 7 quality guards is no better than having 4 . They lose very little other than salary in this deal.
Jazz save $14.3M in this deal as Conley is partially guaranteed for next year.
It does seem light given what the asking price on Beasley and Vanderbilt reportedly were
Terrible, terrible, terrible trade for the Jazz. Ainge must feel bad and think he needs to make it up to the league by giving players away and making the Jazz stink.
This is a trade the team will regret because tanking is a losing strategy.
It will take years for the team to turn around the losing culture they’re creating with this move. BIG MISTAKE!
The Jazz are clearly trying to make sure they get in the Wembanyama sweepstakes (aka the NBA draft lottery). If Clarkson and Olynyk are not traded I would be very surprised.
I know it ruins the league
They had 7 quality guards now they only have 4. What have they lost? They were having trouble playing all their guards. This means Sexton & Agbaji will get more minutes & develop quicker. Sexton scored 24.3 per game his last healthy season & Agbaji is a lights out shooter who plays top notch defense. Vanderbilt is the only loss & his future for a young team was limited at best. This was about clarifying roles in Utah. Not Tanking.It is too late into the year for a .500 team to start tanking.
Is it a losing strategy if they land a transcendent player? It’s a gamble but this team was okay before taking this route. Should they have kept pushing for a play in spot? Not really.
I wonder if LeBron while celebrating with Toscano-Anderson last night at the club informed him this would be their last day as teammates. lol NBA buisness is cold
Should tell you what the Jazz FO thinks about the future of the Lakers
Think maybe they’re settling the score with Twolves for the Gobert fleecing?
Conley doesn’t fit Jazz timeline. Ainge might have preferred one lightly protected first round Lakers pick to two moderately protected ones
With 26 of the 30 NBA teams over the salary cap, does drafting beyond the first 5-6 spots even mean anything anymore?
The Los Angeles Lakers came out good in this trade. I’m not a D’Angelo Russell fan but he’s an upgrade over Russell Westbrook. Russell is a defensive liability and the same goes for Westbrook. D’Angelo Russell is way more efficient than Russell Westbrook on all three levels and that’s what the Los Angeles Lakers need. I’m not a Malik Beasley fan either but he is a okay defensive player and a good shooter. I think his 3pt% can go up on the Lakers. I love the pickup of Jarred Vanderbilt!!! He’s worth a 1st round pick himself. Then he’s only 23 years old and a defensive specialist. He can guard multiple positions. He’s the type of player the Los Angeles Lakers will fall in love with. His energy and effort is contagious. I’m excited see him take the floor. The Los Angeles Lakers get a starting Point Guard. Two very good role players off the bench.
Silver is doing things. Probably promised the jazz the second pick. (Spurs 1st) Got to help lebron once again. Smh
Rob Pelinka made some great moves this trade deadline. I love the roster. Los Angeles Lakers got 4 really nice players for Russell Westbrook Juan Toscano-Anderson DamianJones and Patrick Beverley. The 2027 even got top 4 protection on it.
Wow. Lot of players. The Vanderbilt addition really improves the trade from the Lakers’ side. Will Conley and Westbrook both get bought out?
No way Conley is bought out lol, he is who Minnesota is trading floor. Floor general and defense is a better fit for Minny than a creating PG like Russell.
Gobert is being reunited with Gobert – this trade was made with purpose. This will only improve Minny’s chances.
Conley*
Bizarro Gobert sounds frightening
Mike Conley Jr. will be the starting Point Guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Utah Jazz did the trade to save money and that future 2027 1st round pick.
Would Utah really buy out Westbrook after paying all that? Basically Beasley Vanderbilt and Conley for a lightly protected 1st if Westbrook is bought out
Remember all that bs with Westbrook and jazz fans a few years ago. I don’t see Westbrook playing for jazz
I know it clears future salary for Utah but man if they don’t use Westbrook the rest of the way at least they paid a ton for one pick
Again, regardless of his feelings for the team, why would he accept a buy-out when he stands to lose quite a bit?
I think they are banking on ego and a competitive spirit that would lead him to accept so he can go elsewhere and play. its a gamble for sure.
Russell Westbrook definitely getting bought out. Los Angeles Clippers Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat might try and sign him once he clear waivers.
If they don’t plan on playing him and can agree to a buyout price then why not. Clears a roster spot, don’t have to worry about any drama regarding him being benched, don’t have to worry about potentially playing him and blocking somebody else, and builds some good will between Westbrook’s agency and the Jazz. Return does some light but also probably the Jazz realizing the market isn’t as strong as they and other sellers are holding out for (basically a first round pick for a rotation player at this point).
Why would he play for the jazz? He does not want to play for a team thats gonna tank
Win-win for all I’d say.
If you’re okay with the Lakers giving up the first, definitely significantly improves what the Lakers have. Gives LeBron more of the kind of shooting he’s used to surrounding him and the Vando/AD tandem should be fun defensively.
Vanderbilt’s a poor defender. He’s a helluva rebounder, especially offensive. That’s his game. He’s basically Kenneth Faried with slightly more offensive chops.
You can’t be watching the games to say that. Jarred Vanderbilt is a defensive specialist and can guard multiple positions. Then he’s only 23 years old and will only get better.
Eh, his metrics may be down this year, but last year he was one of the better wing defenders in the league. Those stats can always fluctuate – he’s young, cheap, long, and agile for said length, which makes him versatile especially in his ability to switch.
Don’t think the Faried comp is that far off base, but I think Vando fits the modern NBA defensive profile better.
Both Wolves and Jazz get draft assets
What makes you think that…?
Because they both acquired draft picks in the deal. So, draft assets.
Was being sarcastic. His comment is repeating what’s stated already in the article.
I was picking up what you were putting down, padam.
Ah, damn. My bad haha. Didn’t see the sarcasm
Lakers still going to miss the playoffs..
Lakers got a descent return.
Rui, Jarred, Malik, D’angelo
Good Trade
Just have to point out that the Lakers did NOT receive Rui in this trade
All that just for Russ jones and jta I’ll take it
Westbrook Destinations
A) Los Angeles Clippers (badly needs a pg)
B) New York Knicks (push for playoffs)
C) Denver Nuggets (needs secondary pg)
D) Philadelphia 76ers (if they traded thyb)
E) Miami Heat (move lowry)
76ers? I think we’ve already seen how well it worked pairing Harden with Westbrook.
Maybe? They need to trade thybulle and others to make room.
Russ will play as backup pg.
Now 76ers can trade pieces for a backup center instead of a point guard.
Ummm…the Sixers don’t need a backup PG. that tyrese maxey fella is really good at basketball
Why the Nugs would take on this baggage would be a mystery.
extremely well?
Yeah back in 2012 it got the Thunder into the NBA finals.
I can’t see the Knicks being interested in Westbrook.
Yeah, no chance. The offense runs through Brunson and Randle; no room for Westbrook with IQ running the second unit.
Knicks have 4 point guards on the roster. Yes, the Knicks would be in the market for another ball handler who tosses bricks. Besides, the Mecca can’t handle showdowns between Clyde and Brick on a nightly basis.
Beverley – Dlo – Lebron – Rui – Davis
Or
Dlo – Malik – Lebron – Jarred – Davis
Lakers just robbed both these teams. Why does the league give them favors
It doesn’t matter, They are way way below the standings.
This will depends on dlo as point guard and malik as 6th man.
No their not every team in the west from 13 up is 5 games seperated basically.
You’re vastly exaggerating how good the three players they acquired actually are. Jazz did a nice job bumping up their values by making public demands about their two guys, but in the end they’re role players. Not starters on a good team.
You dont need starter kind of players with the lakers. Role players that fits are what they need!
“in the end they’re role players.”
That’s just what they need, though. They already have two superstars.
The wolves front office are complete and total idiots!! You traded away your number one overall draft pick in Andrew Wiggins & a future 1st round pick for D’Angelo Russell. Then give away essentially 5 1st round draft picks for Rudy Gobert. Now your encore is to trade away the D’Angelo Russell you initially traded for to get a aging/ back up point guard and some second round draft picks? Essentially you traded away a #1 draft pick, #2 draft pick, 6 other 1st round draft picks to get Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley. My grandkids, grandkids will be in college by the time the Timberwolves sniff the playoffs.
Maybe they weren’t signing Russell in offseason, Towns and Gobert already signed, Edwards needs extension soon
bad trade for twolves. Are they a better team? NO
I’m almost certain they werent signing him this off season but Russell has been hooping lately. You couldve easily received a 1st round draft pick for him. You gave away 2 to get him!! #Idiots
The initial missteps don’t matter anymore. That’s sunk cost fallacy. More importantly, Conley is a much better fit with this squad, at least when Towns in healthy.
I do think it’s still too light of a return given that Conley’s contract is partially guaranteed next season and considering the age/injury risk here, but it’s certainly nowhere near as bad as their initial mistakes. I’d have asked for another 2nd or two.
They made playoffs last yr. This yr will be 2 in a row
Unless a team in the west becomes unhealthy. The Twolves will miss the playoffs for the next 20 years..Atleast
May not have KAT if they didn’t trade for Russell. KAT would’ve probably forced a deal. DLo and he are relatively close.
They get Conley and NAW. He’s been a really good 2-way player for the Jazz. They just had too many guards vying for playing time. Looks like the Jazz are going for combo guards instead of pure point guards.
I just hope this means the Jazz are going for Scoot or one of the Thompson twins. Still not sold on the idea of Wemby being durable for very long. That’s a lot of body wearing on skinny knees and feet.
Lakers get massively better as a team for a protected 1st? Took a while but Pelinka made a move
I’m willing to bet that pick is top 4 protected which means it goes to Utah unless the Lakers’ name is drawn.
Separately, if I’m Russ and his agent, I have a talk with Jazz management explaining to them how he makes them a better team for a playoff push, because it’s not to his benefit to give any money back considering that was his last payday. The best he could expect in future years is a mid-level exception unless he really goes on a tear.
Westbrook won’t play a game for the Jazz. They’ll buy him out so they can give more minutes to Sexton, Agbaji & Horton-Tucker.
You misspelled MARGINALLY
This is all about the tank for the Jazz and bettering that shot at Victor
How great is it gonna be when Westbrook goes to the Clippers and torches the Lakers.
If you meant ‘Westbrook continues choking for other LA team’, then you are correct.
He’s a first ballot hall of famer and still averaging 16/6/7. Not sure what you mean.
I mean I don’t know the market but giving up Conley, Beasley, Vando, Walker and a 2rp for a top 4 protected 1st? That seems light for a genius
The point now for the Jazz is to lose as many games as possible. The can fall fast with 27 games left
Well their whole point was to tank from the moment they traded rudy. No one saw them doing this well . So these trades help them tank
I mean yeah I guess but they gave up three second round picks and if that first round pick ends up in the top four then it immediately becomes a second round pick
It’s light, but I don’t think AS light as some people make it out to be.
Conley has played well this season, but he’s expensive and partially on the books for next season. He also has a troubling injury history. Not worth anything more than a very-late 1st IMO.
Beasley can shoot, but he’s a zero defensively and doesn’t really bring anything else to the table. Plus, his contract isn’t a bargain. I’d value him similar to Conley.
Vanderbilt is the best value by far due to his production, fit, and friendly contract. Easily worth a first.
Would I want more than that first for the lot of them? Sure. But I wouldn’t expect much more than a good 2nd or two. The talk of one first per player was driven by Ainge in an attempt to get the Lakers to beef up their offer.
Smells like the NBA did another “favor” for the Lakers. No one should be surprised. This is the entertainment business for a reason.
Minneapolis Lakers
Which actually makes sense literally and figuratively as it was originally intended…
LAL did well, even better than initially reported. Jones has guaranteed $$ next year, it’s not large, but it does matter if they go the cap space route. For a guy cast as an idiot, Pelinka structured a nice deal for his team. Flexibility will never be a fan favorite, but it has great value.
UTH took a discount, but only from Ainge’s silly suggested prices. Conley’s contract was a wildcard, since he’s the best player UTH traded, but he’s fully priced and then some. JV and MB were a reach to net even a single FRP on their own. He trades all 3 players, plus two of his own SRPs, and gets a 2027 FRP (top 4P). He certainly didn’t steal it, but its still a good deal for him.
MIN has to be thrilled to get some of UTH’s picks, even if they’re SRPs. I have to admit that Mr Nice Guy made a nice deal too. His team is better with Conley, and the money next year isn’t relevant to him (in fact it’s below what he might have budgeted for DiLo).
If I’m Russ, why would I accept a buy-out? I’m going to a team that still is in the mix for the postseason and I would be giving up a huge chunk of change to leave. Utah must realize that’s a possibility and should be ok with it knowing it’s expiring anyway.
Utah dont want him to play a single game. He doesnt have to give up much to get bought out. And he wants to go to a team where he can get triple doubles, and not titles.
I’d still rather buy him out at full price than have him play a single minute for that rebuilding team. Yes, he’s a great tank commander but I would not want that ball hog and toxic teammate around the young players. If that means not getting a discount on the buy-out, so be it.
Brodie got in an argument with Devin Ham in the last game that was pretty telling he was gone. It’s gonna be hard to see him go because one thing that is about about that Laker team is no one distributes the ball. Their last game Westbrook came off the bench and still led the team in assists.
Just another journeyman, poor Westbrook.
He should have embraced 6th man role much earlier and made adjustments to his game much earier in his career…. But he was just too proud and macho. :(
He should have embraced a 6th man role when he was still one of the top 5 PGs in the game? You realize that makes no sense right?
He dragged a hapless Wizards team into the playoff himself just a couple years ago.
Hope Russ stays in Utah
Dallas should sign him. That would be a fun team to watch. Defense is overrated. The whole point of the game is to outscore your opponent.
Lol
Minnesota finally gets the guard defense they’ve needed, and the Lakers add yet more guards to other similar guys they already have/already moved, and Vandsrbuilt at the 4/smallball 5, where they also already had/have multiple guys
They still have a massive need on the wing.
For Utah, it feels like they were slightly light an asset in return, but maybe that’s Conley having a slightly down year, plus the money guaranteed for next year
Feel bad for Westbrook’s situation of being a scapegoat on a roster that was lacking significantly important pieces around him and Lebron. I’m curious to see where he ends up, and hope it’s on a team that needs a playmaking guard that can defend, and has shooters around him
How did the lakers essentially unload Westbrook and add 3 solid vets while only giving up a draft pick that may be in the mid 20’s? Is this game rigged for the lakers or am I missing something here?
Why does this site post my comment two or three times every gat damn time?
I’m confused, did the jazz give up? Lakers front office is not good enough to have orchestrated this.
The Jazz must have legit FAs in mind to target this Summer. That or they want the flexibility to be able to make more trades for bigger salary players.
Lakers are still out in the first round if and big if they even make the playoffs. Solid move but it doesn’t move the needle.
Odds of Lakers making the finals this year are 0 percent. Old Lebron and brittle Davis and company stand no chance.
Odds of them making the play in tournament is about 25% now.
Nice trade for Lakers. Those are solid pieces they are adding. BronGM wants to make a run this yr.
9:59 p.m. ET: The New York Knicks are acquiring Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Cam Reddish and a protected future first-round pick, sources told ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Hart is in his eighth NBA season and is averaging 9.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season.
Josh Hart is a Knick. ……….. WooHoo
Lakers aren’t done. 7 guards on A 14 player team!
long live small ball.
Westbrook getting bought out ….
He should go to Clippers …….
Another transaction that is made due to “league encouragement”, to help LeBron become more relevant towards the Playoffs this year. They receive an All-Star caliber PG, in Russell, as well as a much needed rebound specialist who doesn’t need the ball PF in Vanderbilt, while shedding Westbrook’s unwanted contract and a 1st rd pick in 2027. I wouldn’t have done this deal if I was a GM for the Wolves, and especially not for Utah. Paired with the ridiculous trade of Mo Bamba to LA for Pat Bev (buyout surely coning), and a 2nd rd pick, and it shows what a joke the league is when catering to LeBron & the Lakers in general.Heres to hoping that LeBron gets embarrassed in the play in round!
The Jazz have been saying for months now that they were severely hampered before Ainge took over as President. They needed more flexibility to be able to make more trades, etc. Both the Bojan and now this larger trade accomplish this.
They’re going to have at least $62M in cap space. They can either go after guys like Kuzma and/or make more trades with salary-dumping teams for positions of need. That or they can acquire draft assets from salary-dumping teams.