Lakers, Jazz, Timberwolves discussing 3-way trade

The Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves arein trade negotiations on a potential three-way deal that would sendRussell Westbrook to Utah, D'Angelo Russell to Los Angeles and MikeConley to Minnesota, according to The Athletic's ShamsCharania. The deal would also have Utah receiving draftcompensation including a first-round pick.

The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are indiscussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russellto the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as afirst-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sourcestell me and @Tjonesonthenba.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sportsadded that Jazz shooting guard Malik Beasley and forward JarredVanderbilt will also be a part of the trade, with Charania tweeting that both ofthose players would head to the Lakers. The teams are workingthrough draft compensation including protections.

The Lakers have explored trading Westbrook and his expiring $47million contract since before the season, but had not been willingto include both of their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to do sounless they were getting a star player in return.

Russell is also on an expiring contract and the Timberwolveshave not been interested in giving him an extension. Minnesotawould likely value Conley's veteran presence in their locker roomalong with his contract, which is partially guaranteed next season.Conley also has chemistry with center Rudy Gobert.

If the deal happens, the Jazz are expected to buy outWestbrook.

Adrian Wojnarowski has addedthat the Lakers and Jazz have "significant deal structure in place"but that the Timberwolves are still deciding whether to do thetrade depending on their return of draft assets. Minnesota is alsoengaged in trade talks involving Russell with otherteams.