After missing the playoffs, for the Lakers, the season has completely ended, which means that the Lakers' lineup adjustment has begun.
The Lakers management also laid off coach Vogel at the first time, and the next thing to deal with is Wei Shao, and it is his arrival that directly led to the Lakers' loss this season.
Therefore, the US media "Lakeshowlife" also summarized 6 transaction plans for Westbrook, of which rockets 3 for 2, Knicks 2 for 2.
Thunder 2 for 3: Muscala + Favors, for Wei Shao + 2027 first round + 2029 first round
Whether it's in terms of player sentiment or team willingness, the Thunder may be the only team willing to welcome Westbrook's return with open arms.
The Thunder have also been dealing with contracts like Westbrook's over the past few seasons, and from Paul to Horford, the Thunder have made a lot of money.
The deal could create a huge deal exception for the Lakers, with the Thunder getting a first-round pick that fits the rebuild, but the Lakers were not necessarily willing to send away two first-rounders but did not return to the immediate force.
Pacers 2 for 3: Brogdon + Hield, for Westbrook + 2027 first round + 2029 first round
The deal was proposed by The Athletic's snormal Shams, stating that the Lakers were interested in getting Hield and the Pacers were willing to accept Westbrook's expired contract.
Compared with the previous deal, the Lakers have received enough returns, whether it is Brogdon or Hield are players who meet the team's goal of competing for the championship.
But for the Pacers, whether two first-rounders will be enough for the team to pack up Brogdon and Hield is debatable, after all, Westbrook will not bring any value to the Pacers except that his contract is about to expire.
Hornets 2 for 2: Hayward + Plumlee, for Westbrook + 2027 first-round pick
Marc Stein revealed that wasps were potential buyers of Westbrook, and then two potential deals emerged, the initial deal was Hayward + Rozier, which was obviously unlikely.
In contrast, Hayward + Plumlee's plan is more reliable, and although the Lakers took a first-round pick, they successfully sent away Westbrook and replaced two good players.
For the Hornets, Westbrook's fame can improve the attendance rate of the Hornets in the small ball market, and his big contract has only one year left, which can make room for the Hornets salary, plus a first-round pick return, this plan is very realistic.
Rockets 3 for 2: Wood + Gordon + Nouaba, for Wei Shao + 2027 first round pick
The two teams had discussed a 3-for-2 deal before the trade deadline, Wall + Wood for Wei Shao + Tucker + 2027 first-round pick, due to the Lakers' refusal to send the first round of signing, the final deal ended.
Considering that Wall's style of play is similar to that of Westbrook, both defenders who lack projection and a high turnover rate, the Lakers are unlikely to be willing to bet on him, so "Open Stand" gave another 3-for-2 deal.
But for the Rockets, this plan is not worth considering, after all, the team already has a big contract with Wall, and it is impossible to clean up 3 immediate combat forces and take over the big contract of Wei Shao for a first-round pick.
Pistons 3 for 3: Grant + Olynic + Diallo, for Westbro + 2027 first round + 2029 first round
Before the trade deadline, the Lakers were also exposed to be interested in getting Grant, but the final deal did not take shape.
To this end, the US media gave such a 3-for-3 plan, due to The big contract of Westbrook, and the return of Grant, the Lakers must pay two first-round picks.
But the problem is that the Pistons already have Cunningham, and the team has no reason to bet on Wei Shao, unless the two sides can reach a non-play agreement after the trade, or directly promise to complete the buyout after the trade, otherwise the Pistons have no reason to trade Wei Shao.
Knicks 2 for 2: Randall + Fournier, for Westbrook + 2027 first round
It's a very realistic deal because Randle's contract with Fournier is also very bad, and Randle has fallen out with the team, and it's only natural to leave through a trade.
And Westbrook's style of play meets Thibodeau's requirements, while Westbrook's style of acting on and off the court coincides with the Knicks' team plan and team culture.
For the Lakers, Randle is totally worth betting on, and there is hope of regaining form after playing the three bosses, and Fournier is a trustworthy wing player.