Report: Jazz, Lakers Hold ‘Exploratory’ Trade Conversations On Russell Westbrook

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers discussed a potential Russell Westbrook trade described as “exploratory conversations” by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.

Jazz reportedly re-engage on Westbrook

The NBA insider reported the trade talks between the Jazz and Lakers on Friday, February 3.

“The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have had exploratory conversations centered around star guard Russell Westbrook, league sources tell Bleacher Report,” Haynes wrote. “However, the Lakers are said to be in communication with most teams to sift through the most reasonable and logical options available.”

With Los Angeles Lakers aiming for another trade before the deadline, conversations were had with the Utah Jazz centered on Russell Westbrook, league sources told @BleacherReport: https://t.co/A8bksUicyW

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 3, 2023

This isn’t the first time that the Jazz have been reported trade discussions with the Lakers on Westbrook. Prior to the start of the 2022-23 season, Utah was a reported landing spot in a multi-team deal surrounding the former NBA MVP.

Shortly after the season got underway, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote that Westbrook trade talks between the Jazz and Lakers were expected to resume in the future.

Haynes added that “the Lakers continue surveying the market for premium shooting” and that former Jazzman and current Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanović “remains a principal target” for Los Angeles.

This season, Westbrook is averaging 15.7 points per game. Westbrook’s scoring output is coming off the bench but it’s also the lowest average since his rookie campaign in 2008-09.

The former UCLA standout was selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. In 2017, Westbrook won the league’s MVP award. During his career, the nine-time NBA All-Star has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Malik Beasley on the move?

In addition to the Westbrook conversations, Haynes reported that NBA executives think that at least one team would be willing to trade the Jazz a first round pick for guard Malik Beasley.

“Rival executives tell Bleacher Report they believe the Utah Jazz have a team—or multiple teams—willing to offer a first-round pick for shooting guard Malik Beasley,” Haynes reported.

Bonus episode of #thisleague UNCUT with co-host @TheSteinLine features Utah Jazz guard Malik Beasley who opens up about being on trading block, reveals teams he’s linked to, desiring invite to 3-Point Contest and much more. Enjoy: https://t.co/pJ7M7rUIuf

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 3, 2023

The Jazz currently own a 27-26 record.

The NBA trade deadline is set for February 9 at 1 p.m. (MDT).

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