The J-Notes
Fansided

Russell Westbrook seems bound for the Utah Jazz

By Jonah Kubicek

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: /l0 dribbles against Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: /l0 dribbles against Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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For pretty much all of the 2022 NBA offseason, the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks have been linked as possible trade partners in a Donovan Mitchell deal. With the recent resigning of RJ Barrett and the Jazz’s total lack of interest in the young star, the Knicks will need to move a lot of cap space to get a deal done.

One way for New York to free up cap space is to spend potential helpful pieces like Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier elsewhere. The Jazz have no need for players like that, so a third team could emerge.

The Los Angles Lakers have thrown their hat in the ring. After acquiring Patrick Beverly, the Lakers have no need for former superstar Russell Westbrook. With only one year left on his massive deal, Utah could be swayed to take him, especially if the trade looks like this.

Of course, all sorts of media narratives are spun so the Lakers come out on top, but recent reports suggest there is traction to these rumors.

If the Lakers attach a pick to Westbrook and the Knicks throw in plenty of first-rounders, the Jazz could move on from Mitchell for five or six picks, and take very few players back. That would be optimal, and all three teams could get exactly what they want.

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