Russell Westbrook (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors persist as no blockbuster deal was consummated this summer. The Lakers find themselves linked to some big names again.
According to Kevin O' Connor of The Ringer, Russell Westbrook and Paul George are two names to watch in terms of blockbuster trades.
For Westbrook, O'Connor believes that he is still playing "wait and see" on how the Thunder can manage without the cornerstone of their franchise who brought them out of insignificance nine years ago. The consensus is that the Thunder is not likely to match, let alone exceed their levels of success with Durant around.
Many pundits believe that the extension Westbrook signed was more about the increase that he can get for this season ($ 8 million is nothing to scoff at) as they read between the lines of Westbrook's statement when asked about a long-term commitment for the Thunder.
"My job is to be able to find somewhere that I want to be and want to play with a group of guys. I figured this is the place where I wanted to be. Obviously with the [new] contracts, the new CBA stuff, there's different ways you can do that, but me being able to have the opportunity to extend and be here, that's what I wanted to do and I stand behind that."
The Lakers have always been tagged as the dark horse for Russell's services, but that was before he signed the extension. Most of the trade rumor mills backed off Russ since the signing but the Lakers always lingered as a possibility if the gap between them and the Thunder start to narrow.
On the other hand, O'Connor was more convinced of the connection between the Lakers and Paul George. "Purple and Gold fans are notorious for assuming stars are destined for Los Angeles, but this time around they could be onto something."
Of course, the Paul George to Lakers trade was started by O'Connor's boss, Bill Simmons in his tweet.
Also hearing that the Lakers want to make a BIG run at Paul George with their top-3 pick plus other stuff. (Not that they'd get him...)
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 4, 2016
George does have an LA connection but that has not worked for DeMar DeRozan this summer. George is not a free agent and Larry Bird will need to see the Lakers pieces develop before he even thinks of giving up his superstar. Nevertheless, the trade would most likely involve both D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram-a rather steep price to pay.
