The Knicks always find new and exciting ways to tease the fans with trade rumors and have now been involved with the Russell Westbrook rumors. This entanglement comes along with the Donovan Mitchell trade rumors where, if the Knicks land Mitchell would explore trading away Julius Randle, according to Marc Stein.
The Lakers’ side of things is where they would be willing to take on Randle if they cannot move Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. Randle would be a player the Lakers would value as a complementary piece next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Randle’s salary for 2022-23 is set to be $23.76 million, $23.3 million less than what Westbrook will make this upcoming year.
Randle is two years removed from his lone year as an All-Star, All-NBA Second Team selection, and a Most Improved Player of the Year award.
The Lakers have been linked to Irving in recent weeks and may need the help of other teams to move Westbrook to take on Irving. Irving has also been involved in trade rumors following Kevin Durant’s trade request away from the Brooklyn Nets.
This hinders the development of the Knicks and Jazz’s talks to scoop Mitchell. The Lakers have also been searching for a third team if they were to deal away Westbrook. San Antonio was rumored to be the third team at one point, and now the Knicks have been identified as the other potential third suitor.
