With about two weeks to go before the start of training camp, the Los Angeles Lakers’ options as far as trading Russell Westbrook are scant.
One of the few options is sending him to the Utah Jazz, and L.A. has reportedly had interest in a few of their players, including 3-point sniper Bojan Bogdanović.
Of course, the Lakers and Jazz recently completed a trade that sent 3-and-D guard Patrick Beverley back to Southern California, this time as a member of the Purple and Gold.
Reportedly, the two teams are talking again, this time about a Westbrook deal, but they’re not even close to pulling the trigger on one.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Tony Jones, who covers the Jazz for The Athletic, appeared on “The Drive with Spence Checketts” podcast and pointed out (at the 4:50 mark) why trade talks are moving so slowly.
“‘They’ve been talking to the Lakers,’ said Jones. ‘The Jazz made an offer to the Lakers. The Lakers made a counteroffer to the Jazz. Those two offers were far apart, and I don’t know that there’s going to be enough of a gap to be bridged in order for a trade to happen there.’
“‘I can tell you that the Jazz were seeking one of Los Angeles’ first-round picks, but the asking price for that first-round pick is probably too much for what the Jazz are willing to pay.'”
Utah just traded away All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, and it also got rid of fellow All-Star Rudy Gobert earlier this summer, triggering the start of a long-term rebuilding project.
That may make them more amenable to a Westbrook trade, but the price for the Lakers would presumably be two future first-round draft picks, a price they may not be willing to pay.
