Should the Dallas Mavericks trade for Russell Westbrook?

The Dallas Mavericks lost their second-best player when Jalen Brunson decided to sign a four-year deal with the Knicks in free agency. It was a crushing blow as the Mavs got zero in return for JB, who they drafted in the second round and developed. Dallas improved their frontcourt this offseason, but they have not filled the hole left by Brunson.

The Lakers have issues still left to sort out too. Last summer’s trade for Russell Westbrook did not work out. The nine-time All-Star and 2017 MVP did not fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis as Los Angeles missed the playoffs. James turns 38 in December, so the Lakers cannot afford to waste a season. For Los Angles to return to title contention, they must get rid of Westbrook.

That won’t be easy as he is set to make over $47 million next season in the final year of his max contract. Teams looking to acquire Westbrook want the draft capital attached, and the 33-year-old guard will likely be bought out following a trade. Should the Mavs acquire the 6’3 guard from the Lakers?

Should the Dallas Mavericks trade for Russell Westbrook?

What are the Lakers willing to give up to send Westbrook elsewhere? They have two tradeable first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029. Is Los Angeles willing to part with both to get Westbrook off their roster? What could they get in return?

Teams are not trading for the nine-time All-Star. They are acquiring his expiring contract and looking to dump problem contracts on their own. The Lakers may be able to snag two useful pieces and some bloated contracts in a deal for Westbrook if they attach both future firsts. Bleacher Report laid out some hypothetical Westbrook deals, including one involving the Mavs.

Should the Dallas Mavericks be looking to make that type of move? Here is the case for and against before making a final verdict.