Washington Wizards: Pros and Cons of a Russell Westbrook sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Lakers

Cons to a Russell Westbrook sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Lakers

The Washington Wizards would be getting deeper and younger by getting rid of Westbrook, but would they be getting any better? If this were the only move the Wizards were to make this offseason, they would be lowering their ceiling. While the players the Wizards would get back are solid (at worst), none of them are real difference makers, especially on a Wizards team now devoid of Westbrook. Horton-Tucker may develop into something special with more reps and a bigger role than what he had with the Lakers, but that’s a big gamble. Kuzma has seemingly declined slightly since his first two seasons, and Schroder is an excellent backup, but he’s a below-average starter.

Besides, Schroder’s salary demands should make the Wizards sour on this offer. Schroder will be looking for $100-120 million this offseason after turning down a midseason extension from the Lakers worth $84 million over four seasons.

One of the most attractive aspects of this deal is freeing up the money owed to Westbrook. If they take on a newly-rich Schroder, though, how much relief will they really be getting? Will they find themselves just as cash-strapped, but without the triple-double king?

Without the triple-double king, the Wizards instantly become less relevant on the national stage. They lose one of their only veteran leaders and an enormous presence in the locker room. And they miss the opportunity to see what Beal and Westbrook can do under new head coach Wes Unseld Jr. Westbrook may not be the perfect player at this stage in his career. Still, the Wizards are better off holding onto him if they can’t get back any legitimate up-and-coming star or draft picks. Besides, sending Westbrook away after one season may be the final straw that forces Beal to demand a trade.