The Los Angeles Lakers could have some new faces in their front office this offseason. Rob Pelinka is on the hot seat after the biggest move he made heading into the 2021-22 NBA season, acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards, has backfired.
Westbrook has proven to be a poor fit for Los Angeles as the third player in a Big 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He still gives 100 percent effort every time he steps on the court, but his strengths just don’t mesh.
Things have hit rock bottom recently and parting ways this offseason seems like the best for both sides. However, finding a team that would be willing to trade for Westbrook is easier said than done.
Westbrook is owed $47 million on his player option for the 2022-23 season, which is assuredly going to pick up. There are very few teams that can afford to take on a salary of that size, let alone be willing to. One team that could emerge is the Orlando Magic.
Orlando is in the early stages of their rebuild, so they could have some interest in taking on Westbrook’s contract if they are compensated for doing so. What could it take for the Magic to be interested in such a deal?
Let’s take a look at this hypothetical deal that would land Westbrook in Orlando this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Markelle Fultz, G Terrence Ross, F Jonathan Isaac
Orlando Magic Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick