Several teams were interested in acquiring Russell Westbrook, but negotiations stalled for the same reason.
According to source reports, Los Angeles Lakers Russell Westbrook has been in trade talks with the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets, but each deal has hit similar hurdles.
The Suitors wanted the Lakers to include future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 in the deal, but LA was only willing to part with one unless the return package included a top-tier star like Donovan Mitchell or Kyrie Irving.
Of course, the Jazz ended up dealing Mitchell to Cleveland for a big haul, while the Nets refused to break up their core.
Westbrook opted out of the final year of his $47.1 million (AUD$74 million) contract with the Lakers in June, an expiring contract that could be useful for teams looking to open up significant cap space next offseason.
The former MVP ended up staying with the Lakers ahead of Wednesday’s season-opening clash against the Golden State Warriors.
According to the report, the Lakers originally wanted to sign Dennis Schroder only if they could find a trade partner for Westbrook.
Schroder signed a one-year contract deal with the Lakers in September and is out for the next three to four weeks after thumb surgery.
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