Russell Westbrook is headed to the Pacers? It might just happen.
When considering the possibility of a Russell Westbrook trade to any team, there needs to be more taken into account than the players involved due to Westbrook's loaded contract. His massive salary automatically narrows the amount of potentially interested teams in the veteran point guard. Shams Charania of the Athletic reports that Indiana may have interest in Westbrook due to the fact that they have a couple of long-term contracts on their team worth shedding.
Buddy Hield has two years and just over $40 million remaining on his deal, while Malcom Brogdon has three years and just under $68 million left on his contract. Although Westbrook will make over $47 million in 2022-2023, the point guard has just one season under contract remaining.
The Lakers were also reportedly interested in Buddy Hield before acquiring Westbrook last year, and even tried to acquire him for Westbrook before the trade deadline this past season. Magic Johnson also said Los Angeles should have pursued Buddy Hield instead of Russell Westbrook. So it is possible that Los Angeles could be motivated to make a deal with the Pacers specifically.
If the Lakers are unable to work out a deal with Indiana, then they will either decide to keep him, trade him elsewhere, or buy-out his contract. If Westbrook refuses a buy-out, then Los Angeles will certainly have their hands tied. Charlotte was also mentioned as a possible suitor for Russ, but the momentum surrounding that deal has died down in recent days.
For now, the Pacers are the favorites to land Russell Westbrook. However, there is still a long ways to go for a trade to come to fruition.
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