Lakers, Timberwolves, Jazz agree to three-way blockbuster

The Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves arefinalizing a three-team deal, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The blockbuster trade lands D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley andJarred Vanderbilt in Los Angeles, Mike Conley, NickeilAlexander-Walker and picks in Minnesota, and Russell Westbrook,Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones and a lightly protected 2027first-round pick (from the Lakers) in Utah.

Wojnarowski then added thatMinnesota gets the lesser of the 2024 Washington-Memphissecond-round pick and 2025 and 2026 second-round picks viaUtah.

Westbrook is expected to be bought out by the Jazz, and itremains to be seen where he'll sign once he hits free agency. TheLakers had explored trading Westbrook and his expiring $47 millioncontract since before the season.

Like Westbrook, D'Angelo Russell is on an expiring contract andthe Timberwolves had not been interested in giving him anextension. Now, Russell heads back to Los Angeles, where he beganhis career.

Minnesota likely values Conley's veteran presence in theirlocker room along with his contract, which is partially guaranteednext season. Conley also has chemistry with center Rudy Gobert,whom the franchise acquired last offseason in a blockbustertrade.