NBA Trades: 2 blockbuster Russell Westbrook for John Wall trades
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: 2 blockbuster Russell Westbrook for John Wall trades – Trade #2
Los Angeles Lakers receive: John Wall, Eric Gordon
Houston Rockets receive: Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 First-Round Pick
This trade would undoubtedly turn some heads if it went down. The deal was proposed by NBA writer Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, and it involves adding Eric Gordon and Talen Horton-Tucker to the previous trade package. Both teams could see this scenario as more desirable than the first.
The Lakers nabbing Gordon on top of Wall would be a no-brainer. The former Sixth Man of the Year winner is having a stellar season by averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting a career-high 50.6 percent from the floor and a scorching-hot 45.2 percent from three.
Instant offense like that could provide a significant boost for the Lakers, particularly due to Gordon’s outside shooting. He has been one of the hottest commodities on the trade market, and adding him would make LA more formidable on impact.
However, it would cost them quite a bit and add a hefty amount to their current luxury tax bill, given Gordon’s $18.2 million salary for this season. Yet, if they are willing to push all their chips in, it is worth considering for the Lakers.
The Rockets might consider this trade because Gordon has been in the rumor mill for years now, and a young piece like Horton-Tucker could be enticing in return. Although he has struggled with the Lakers this season, a new environment with a team prioritizing youth like Houston could be just what the 21-year-old needs to unlock his true potential.
The Rockets could drop him in with the young core of Porter, Green, and the rest of this young team as they rebuild. Tucker is in the first year of a three-year contract extension worth $30 million, which could become a bargain if the third-year guard lives up to his potential.
This one would shock the league without question.