The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively shopping Russell Westbrook since the start of the offseason. Theyāve made it clear that theyād rather have Kyrie Irving instead of him, yet the Brooklyn Nets donāt seem all that interested.
The Nets wouldnāt mind parting ways with Irving. They didnāt offer him a contract extension and repeatedly called him out for his apparent lack of commitment. The only issue is that the Lakers donāt 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 theyāve changed that stand. However, the Nets have no interest in Westbook because they donāt think he can help them win right now.
NBA Rumors: Nets Donāt Want Russell Westbrook Because He Canāt Help Them Win Now
(Transcript via Marc Stein)
āYet 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 Westbrookās $47.1 million expiring contract to acquire Irving (although itās unclear if the picks would be unprotected or protected).
Iām told, however, that the Nets have steadfastly rejected that pitch.
The Netsā 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.ā
Westbrookās 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.
