Lakers Rumors: Russell Westbrook Linked to Knicks If Donovan Mitchell Trade Happens

The next move for the New York Knicks could be a deal for Russell Westbrook, according to an NBA Insider.

If the Knicks can acquire Mitchell, they would want to explore possibilities to trade away Julius Randle, according to a source. The remaining three years of Randle's initial four-year, $117 million contract, signed after his All-Star campaign in 2020-21, could be cleared by a trade for Westbrook.

After opting into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook is set to make over 50 million dollars in 2022-23.

According to Stein, the Lakers will first try to use Westbrook in a trade for Irving but could be interested in Randle as a second option.

The talks between the Lakers and Nets have not progressed, according to Dave Mc Menamin.

Los Angeles missed the playoffs with a 33-49 record in the second half of the 21st century. Adding a double-double threat who played his first four years with the Lakers would be a reasonable return.

Over his last two seasons with the Knicks, he's averaged 22.1 points, 10 Rebounds and 5.6 Assists per game, even though he struggled with Consistency last year. As the Lakers try to get back into the playoffs, it could give them an added scoring boost.

Stein reported that the Knicks would use the deal to get rid of payroll.

If the Lakers were to accept this type of package, Evan Fournier or Derrick Rose would be added to the deal.

It could allow for an extension of the guard's contract, which is about to end. It would be possible for New York to build around them.

Mitchell would be the first domino to be swung.

The Utah Jazz will need a package that works for them if the Knicks are going to be a suitor.