As the 2022-23 NBA season approaches, people across the league are still trying to figure out what’s at stake. los angeles lakers‘The plan is about the former MVP Russell Westbrook.
At times this offseason, a trade to send Westbrook to an opposing team seemed imminent. However, no such deal has yet been made. So far, the most likely trade partners appear to be the Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers.
But NBA executives recently launched another team that could be the Lakers’ trade partner of choice: the Detroit Pistons.
Executives spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy.com to analyze the potential move.
‘If I was the Pistons, I’d be happy to join,’ executive says Said“I would like to take the 2027 pick unguarded and get it back.” Russell Westbrook And send you all the veterans, all the crap. Now Detroit has taken a wait-and-see approach. [New York] Knicks, mid-season deal.that team needs to make some more tanks, they need [Victor] Wembanyama, or at least they should be in the mix.
Executives then analyzed some of the players the Pistons could send in exchange for Westbrook.
“Send back Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel, [Kelly] Olynyk and Kemba [Walker]The Lakers were going to have a one-for-four deal there, so they had to move players. …there are some deals available and some veterans available for depth. I want to consider both sides,” he said.
This deal will work from a financial point of view.
At first glance, it’s hard to imagine how any of these players would contribute much to a championship-winning team. A championship looks highly unlikely for the Lakers this season. Maybe, but that’s still the goal.
Still, this deal doesn’t help the Lakers at all. It does not mean.
Burks averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season. He’s a solid and versatile winger who can also stretch the floor with his shooting ability.
Noel is a solid defender and his numbers won’t pop off the stat sheet, but Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Olynyk is Hustle’s player who averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season.
As for Walker, he was once a star, but has seen a lot of setbacks since his body seemed to begin to disintegrate from the wear and tear of his career. could be a potential competitor for the starting position of
With that in mind, Walker is currently considered a buyout candidate for the Pistons. It was previously reported that both sides were finalizing the acquisition.
Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker and the Detroit Pistons are finalizing deal buyouts, sources told ESPN. Once Walker clears Waiver, he will join Free Agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
However, Walker has not yet been officially released from his contract. According to James L. Edwards III, athleticit’s very likely that things haven’t been finalized as Walker may not be sure “will he be able to sign with another team to make up for some of the money he gave back?” .
As for the Pistons, it’s not entirely clear why Westbrook would be an attractive addition, and the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick may not be enough to prey on them.
The Pistons are a young, rebuilding team with Cade Cunningham as their future point guard. Having Westbrook in the mix could do more harm than good to the young pro.
Still, the Pistons appear to be a team to watch as the Lakers continue to search for a trade partner for Westbrook.
