NBA News: Russell Westbrook has “officially” requested a trade and wants to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Russell West-brick era in Los Angeles is finally over.

According to multiple sources, NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has “officially” requested a trade and wants to leave the Lakers. As asked by Russ, he chose 3 teams as his preferred destinations: Warriors, Bucks, and Heat.

This trade request from Russ doesn’t surprise me one bit. Ever since Russ became a Laker and was filled with excitement to play for his hometown, he never utilized his full potential. All season long, Russ was a “disappointment” to the entire Lakers team and organization. We can backtrack the careless turnovers, decision-making issues, not being able to close out games, and lack of perimeter shooting.

These are all flaws of Russ’ game and will continue if he doesn’t work on them this offseason. Let’s be clear, Russ is his own man and will do what he wants at any given time. If you tell him to shoot the ball, Russ would pass it and commit a turnover. If you told Russ to pass the ball, he would attempt a shot and airball it. There is nothing Russ can do at this stage of his career.

For Russ to handpick teams like Warriors, Heat, and Bucks, championship-level teams, as his destinations? Do you think that those teams would want a declined, non-shooter on their team? Let alone disrespecting the media by not being accountable?

Above all the teams Russ picked, I would say that the only team that may have a chance on him is the Miami Heat.

Here is why.

The Duncan Effect

First off, Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson has been out of the rotation lately and has not been getting enough playing compared to previous years. As of now, we don’t know the reason why, but in any indication, Duncan deserves to be on a team who appreciates him. This begs to question, why not the Los Angeles Lakers?

The Lakers have sunshine, beautiful weather, and LeBron James.

That’s it.

Why mess up the Warriors’ chemistry and join that team? Why destroy the Bucks’ chances of winning an NBA title by going there? Those teams don’t have time for Russ’ shenanigans.

To give a better perspective of the Russ trade, here are a few trade scenarios that would make sense for both parties:

Trade Scenarios

Los Angeles Lakers receive

Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo, Markieff Morris, Kyle Lowry, and 2 1st round picks.

Miami Heat receive

Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Austin Reeves, and a 1st round pick.

These are my ‘possible’ trading scenarios.

If you got one better that is worth sharing, make sure to comment on this post so we can discuss which trade works.

Takeaways

In the end, it is up to Rob Pelinka and other general managers to accommodate Russ by sending him to the Heat for better assets. Why risk keeping him till the trade deadline while you can trade him to a team who wants him?

If I were Pelinka, I would pick up the phone and talk to the teams Russ chose and know which team has the better assets for the right trade. So far, the Heat is the best option for Russ’ landing spot.

What do you guys think?

Should Russell Westbrook end up in Miami, or will this trade request linger until next season’s trade deadline?

No more West-brick in LA.

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