Knicks, Pacers, Jazz favorites Westbrook Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team in the NBA that almost everyone unanimously believes is going to trade in the coming weeks. At 14-21, they desperately need to make a move as they currently rank 13th in the Western Conference and are 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Rob Pelinka doesn’t have much to offer in terms of assets as they have offered a pack of Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and a prospective first round pick with protection. To no one’s surprise, that’s not a package that draws a lot of attention.

Before that, Russell Westbrook was the most popular trade candidate on the team. Analysts spent the entire off-season dreaming up mock trades involving Westbrook and his huge contract, and Los Angeles shopped him to no avail.

Westbrook’s value has risen during the season as he has been willing to play the role of the sixth man. Not only has he accepted the role change, but Westbrook played relatively well coming off the bench, averaging 14.7 points, 6.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per game.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers & Utah Jazz Updates

The ball is more in Westbrook’s hands when he comes off the bench as his minutes are more spread out with LeBron James and he makes the most of it. While there are reports that Westbrook’s chances of being traded are diminishing, he will need to be traded if Los Angeles is to have any hope of turning things around this season.

Linking one or two of their available future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Westbrook could be an attractive trading package for some teams. Who could step up to the plate in a deal that revolves around them? According to Sports betting.AGare the New York Knicks currently the odds-on favorites to bring him in.

The Knicks are listed at +100 to be Westbrook’s next destination if the Lakers trade him, which essentially amounts to a 50/50 proposition that he lands in the orange and blue. To consolidate their roster, it’s a deal that could make sense for New York to get rid of some long-term contracts like Evan Fournier.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers & Utah Jazz Updates

But given the youth movement the Knicks are in, a player like Westbrook doesn’t fit their timeline. Two more teams in the youth movement are next on the odds list, the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz.

Listed at +300, Indiana’s odds have the duo of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner the Lakers have shown interest in. first round picks for players like Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.