The Los Angeles Lakers couldn't convince the Brooklyn Nets to deal with them for Kyrie Irving, as Irving went over to the Dallas Mavericks. With Russell Westbrook being openly shopped in this scenario, it is likely the star will be disgruntled and could harm the team as they push for the playoffs.
The Phoenix Suns tried getting Kyrie by using Chris Paul, showing the franchise is looking to move on from their "Point God" after a poor start to the season. Two Western teams with point guards they're looking to move could just speak to each other about getting a deal done.
Phoenix Suns Receive: Russell Westbrook
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Chris Paul
Russell Westbrook being an expiring contract would be more incentive than to pay Chris Paul next season as well for the Suns. The Lakers just seem done with the Russ experiment, and if they can dump him without giving up picks, they will.
How does this trade work for both teams, and why are no picks exchanged? Let's talk about it.
The Phoenix Suns Add A Wild Card And Clear Out The Future
Rather than having an actively detrimental fit next to Devin Booker, the Suns could shock the world and bet on the Russell Westbrook reclamation project for half a season. By total stats, Westbrook is having a better season than CP3 despite coming off the bench and being scrutinized heavily. Paul is averaging 13.8 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on poor efficiency while also being injury-prone. Westbrook is averaging 15.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds on poor efficiency.
Westbrook hasn't been as bad as advertised and could be a half-season rental next to Booker before the Suns pivot off the contract in the summer. Paul is going to make $30.8 million for the next two seasons, but the Lakers could waive him before the start of the 2024/25 season and owe him no guaranteed money.
The Nets chose Spencer Dinwiddie over Chris Paul in the Irving trade, with the price for the Mavs being just one unprotected first-round pick, while the Nets wanted at least three first-round picks from the Suns for CP. That's how badly the value has fallen.
While Paul's half-court creation will be missed, the threat Westbrook creates by being one of the only competent drivers and cutters on the team will make a huge impact on their offense. He fits alongside Booker better than he does alongside LeBron James. This move could backfire, but the Suns can just move on in the summer without having lost many assets and not be on the hook for Chris Paul's contract next season.
The Final Banana Boat Member Joins LeBron James
Out of all of LeBron James' notable friends in the NBA, Chris Paul seems to be the only one he hasn't shared a court with. He won a championship with Dwyane Wade and missed the playoffs with Carmelo Anthony. What could happen to Chris Paul?
The Lakers and Russell Westbrook seem to be at the end of their relationship, with it being nearly impossible to reconcile by the end of the season. That $47 million contract is still useful in the modern NBA, but it doesn't look like the Lakers can do anything with it without giving up first-round picks.
Even still, the Lakers have remained reluctant to offer both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in any deal — a price rival teams have consistently required to take on Westbrook’s contract — let alone sacrifice both selections without protections. Any trade sending out Westbrook and two firsts would of course eliminate the possibility of a second deal utilizing one of those first-rounders to acquire another piece with Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker’s salaries (h/t Yahoo Sports)
If the Lakers send out Russ's expiring contract and take on the liability of paying Chris Paul next season, the teams could do this without including a first-round pick. CP is a bona fide leader that could spark a comeback in LA over the latter half of the season.
Both teams are in a tough spot with their guards, and this might be the best way to remedy themselves the situation. Westbrook's dissatisfaction in LA is obvious while the Suns look ready to move on from CP3, discussing trades for the likes of Fred VanVleet. If Westbrook is functional for the Suns, he could find a cheaper contract extension with that squad.
It doesn't look like the Lakers can use their cap space in the summer to go after major names. So, using it to extend Rui Hachimura, sign a veteran role-player for more than a mid-level exception, and have CP3 on the roster could be the right move. If nothing works, they can flip CP3 with their ultra-valuable future picks for an upgrade, if available. Rebuilding teams would value CP3's leadership more than they've valued what Westbrook could provide for them, so this might be a lateral step right now, but it could give the Lakers some more long-term value.
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