The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively shopping Russell Westbrook since the start of the offseason. Theyâve made it clear that theyâd rather have Kyrie Irving instead of him, yet the Brooklyn Nets donât seem all that interested.
The Nets wouldnât mind parting ways with Irving. They didnât offer him a contract extension and repeatedly called him out for his apparent lack of commitment. The only issue is that the Lakers donât have what it takes to get a deal done.
First, they refused to include two first-round picks in any potential deal. Now, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that theyâve changed that stand. However, the Nets have no interest in Westbook because they donât think he can help them win right now.
NBA Rumors: Nets Donât Want Russell Westbrook Because He Canât Help Them Win Now
(Transcript via Marc Stein)
âYet sources say that the prospect of acquiring a focused Irving, or a similarly splashy acquisition, does still hold that kind of appeal to the Lakers even at the costly price. Sources confirm that they would be willing to surrender both firsts in tandem with Westbrookâs $47.1 million expiring contract to acquire Irving (although itâs unclear if the picks would be unprotected or protected).
Iâm told, however, that the Nets have steadfastly rejected that pitch.
The Netsâ current stance, sources say, is that they are unwilling to send out Irving in a trade if the deal solely brings back future assets. They apparently want win-now talent in return to part with Irving, despite all of the turmoil that has engulfed the Nets for months.â
Westbrookâs fall from grace has been quick and slightly humiliating. Once considered one of the best players in the world, now not even a team looking to get rid of one of their troublemaking players would take him alongside two first-round picks.
