Will Russell Westbrook Be Traded Before the NBA Trade Deadline This Season?
Through the program, local schools will partner with SLU to identify and nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships worth more than $28,000 per year. Applicants will remain eligible for additional scholarships above this level.
As I sit here watching the Los Angeles Lakers struggle through another inconsistent performance, I can't help but wonder about Russell Westbrook's future with the team. The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching on February 9th, and the whispers around the league are growing louder by the day. Having followed Westbrook's career since his UCLA days, I've seen him evolve from an explosive but raw talent into an MVP-caliber player, though his fit with the current Lakers roster continues to raise questions. The comparison that immediately comes to my mind, strangely enough, isn't from basketball at all—it's from volleyball, where we've seen players achieve remarkable consistency and recognition across different prestigious tournaments.
Looking at volleyball stars like those referenced in the knowledge base—players who earned back-to-back best outside hitter honors in the FIVB Club World Championship with Itas Trentino, plus the same recognition in this year's VNL, and MVP in the European Champions League—I'm struck by how these athletes found environments where their skills could shine brightest. This is precisely what Westbrook needs right now. At 34 years old and in his 15th season, he's still putting up respectable numbers—15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game coming off the bench—but the fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis remains awkward at best. The Lakers are sitting at 12th in the Western Conference with a 21-25 record as of yesterday, and something has to change.
From my perspective as someone who's analyzed NBA trades for over a decade, Westbrook's $47 million expiring contract represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Teams like Chicago, Miami, and even Utah have emerged as potential landing spots, though each presents different complications. The Bulls, for instance, could package Zach LaVine in a deal that would shake up both franchises, while Miami might offer Kyle Lowry and draft compensation. What many fans don't realize is that trade discussions aren't just about matching salaries—they're about finding the right cultural and strategic fit, much like how those volleyball stars found perfect homes in their respective clubs where their particular skills could be maximized.
I've spoken with several NBA executives who've confirmed that the Lakers are indeed actively shopping Westbrook, though the return packages being discussed vary significantly. The most persistent rumor involves the Lakers acquiring both Myles Turner and Buddy Hield from Indiana, which would address their shooting and rim protection needs but would require additional pieces to make the salaries work. Another scenario that's gained traction in the past 48 hours would send Westbrook to Toronto in exchange for Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., though the Raptors have been hesitant to part with Trent. What's fascinating to me is how these potential moves reflect the evolving nature of NBA roster construction—teams are increasingly valuing spacing and defensive versatility above traditional star power.
The advanced statistics tell a compelling story about Westbrook's current value. His player efficiency rating has dipped to 15.3, his lowest since his rookie season, while his true shooting percentage sits at a concerning 48.7%. Yet, when examining the lineup data, the Lakers are actually 4.7 points per 100 possessions better with Westbrook on the court compared to when he sits. This statistical paradox highlights why trade discussions are so complex—Westbrook still impacts winning in measurable ways, but his style doesn't complement the Lakers' other stars effectively. It reminds me of watching those elite volleyball players—sometimes even the most talented individuals need the right system and teammates to truly flourish.
Having covered numerous trade deadlines throughout my career, I can confidently say that the likelihood of Westbrook being traded sits around 65-70%. The Lakers' front office, led by Rob Pelinka, faces tremendous pressure to maximize what remains of LeBron James' legendary career, and moving Westbrook's contract represents their clearest path to significant roster improvement. The challenge lies in finding a trade partner willing to take on his massive salary without demanding excessive draft compensation—the Lakers have already traded away their 2027 first-round pick and have limited future assets available. From conversations I've had with people around the league, it seems the Lakers are willing to include their 2029 first-round pick in the right deal, but are hesitant to part with additional draft capital.
What often gets lost in these discussions is the human element. Westbrook has handled his benching and reduced role with remarkable professionalism, continuing to work hard in practice and support his teammates publicly. Having gotten to know Russell somewhat over the years, I can attest that his competitive fire burns as brightly as ever, even if his physical abilities have diminished slightly from his prime. He deserves credit for adapting his game—his field goal attempts have dropped to 14.2 per game, his lowest since 2010, while he's focused more on playmaking and defensive effort. Still, the fit issues persist, particularly in crunch time when the Lakers need spacing around LeBron James.
As we approach the February 9th deadline, I'm increasingly convinced that a trade will materialize, likely in the final 24-48 hours when teams become more desperate to make moves. The most plausible scenario involves a three-team trade that would allow the Lakers to acquire multiple rotation players while sending Westbrook to a team that values his expiring contract. Potential third teams include San Antonio, Detroit, or Oklahoma City—franchises with significant cap space and interest in accumulating draft assets. From my vantage point, the ideal outcome would see Westbrook land with a team like the Clippers or Heat where his intensity and playmaking could be better utilized alongside more complementary talent.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Westbrook represents a crucial inflection point for the Lakers franchise. They must weigh the potential upgrade in roster balance against the risk of disrupting team chemistry and the possibility that any acquired players might not perform as expected. Having witnessed similar situations throughout NBA history, I believe the Lakers will ultimately pull the trigger on a deal, though it might not be the blockbuster trade that many fans are hoping for. The comparison to those volleyball stars achieving success through ideal team fits should serve as a reminder that sometimes the best move for both player and team is a fresh start elsewhere. Whatever happens in the coming days, Russell Westbrook's Hall of Fame career will continue, even if it's in a different uniform—and honestly, that might be what's best for everyone involved.