2 Russell Westbrook trades for Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets

Trade No. 2 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets

Los Angeles Lakers receive: Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier

Charlotte Hornets receive: Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, first-round pick

Due to the hefty amount of money being thrown around in any Westbrook trade, one player that may be involved in a deal with the Hornets is Gordon Hayward. In this deal, the Lakers would still acquire their new point guard in Rozier, but they would also take on Hayward in exchange for Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, and a first-round pick.

LA’s Perspective: Everything previously mentioned about Rozier holds true here. The guard would be an ideal fit alongside LA’s two other stars. The addition of Hayward here is interesting, as it was recently reported by Marc Stein (subscription required) that the Lakers would likely decline a trade package from Charlotte centered around the forward. That is a feasible stance, but if Hayward is the secondary piece attached to Rozier, perhaps that could make it more reasonable. Though the 32-year-old has had some injury issues over the years, he would be a solid fit alongside the trio of James, Davis, and Rozier when he is healthy. It would be a gamble for LA, but they could be willing to take the chance to bulk up their roster with some household names this offseason.

Rather than sending out Westbrook and multiple picks in this trade, the Lakers would send out the former MVP, their 2027 first-rounder, and Talen Horton-Tucker. While Horton-Tucker put up decent numbers in Los Angeles this season, trading him for a pair of established veterans like this would be a justifiable move for the purple and gold. Adding Rozier and Hayward could be just what the Lakers need to begin their roster retooling this offseason, and this is a feasible package.

CHA’s Perspective: Moving Hayward and his hefty salary off the books should be among the top priorities for Charlotte this offseason. The forward will have approximately $61 million left on his deal over the next two seasons, which is quite the price to pay for a forward that has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. On top of all that, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that the former All-Star may welcome a change of scenery this offseason. While a trade for Westbrook is far from the most desirable move, he does only have one year left on his current contract, while Hayward has two, which would create flexibility. Also, adding Horton-Tucker could be intriguing, given that he has shown signs of untapped potential during his first three seasons in the NBA. At 21-years-old, he could be a solid piece to add to this young core, and his salary is affordable.