Early on Wednesday afternoon, reports surfaced that the Los Angeles Lakers were in serious discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves regarding a trade that would bring them guard D’Angelo Russell while sending out Russell Westbrook.
The proposed trade also involved the Utah Jazz and would have Westbrook become a member of their squad.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the trade is now final.
In addition to getting Russell, the Lakers will also land big man Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Malik Beasley. This deal will make them significantly younger. Westbrook is 34, while Russell, Vanderbilt and Beasley are 26, 23 and 26, respectively.
ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Los Angeles will also give up forward Juan Toscano-Anderson and center Damian Jones, as well as a 2027 first-round draft pick that will have some lottery protection.
Also in deal: Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones to Jazz, Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Timberwolves, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The Lakers' 2027 first-round pick to the Jazz is protected 1-to-4, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Russell is having a nice season, averaging 17.9 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 46.5% overall and 39.1% from 3-point range.
His shooting percentages have been up and down over the years, but if he continues to shoot well from downtown, he will significantly help L.A. address its biggest need: 3-point shooting.
Russell played his first two seasons with the Purple and Gold before being sent to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that brought Kyle Kuzma to the team.
Vanderbilt is a 6-foot-8, 214-pound big man who is a good rebounder and has some defensive potential. Beasley has been inconsistent, but has potential as an instant offense player.
