NBA Rumors: Knicks/Lakers Trade Something To "Keep An Eye On"

If the New York Knicks can pull off a Donovan Mitchell trade with the Utah Jazz, as just about everyone around the NBA expects, there could be another huge domino set to fall next, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.

“One league source advised me in Las Vegas to keep an eye on the Knicks and Lakers discussing a potential Westbrook deal if — IF — Leon Rose can successfully bring Donovan Mitchell to Madison Square Garden.” 👀👀👀

- @TheSteinLine

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— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 18, 2022

One league source advised me in Las Vegas to keep an eye on the Knicks and Lakers discussing a potential Westbrook deal if — IF — Leon Rose can successfully bring Donovan Mitchell to Madison Square Garden. The source's thinking: After adding Mitchell, New York would be expected to explore scenarios to trade away Julius Randle.

Randle is entering the first year of a 4-year, $117 million contract with the Knicks. He exploded onto the scene as an impact player in 2021-21, winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award, making All-Star, All-NBA, and even finishing 8th in MVP voting. 

But 2021-22 was another story, as his production dipped, and he got into numerous profane disputes with both the media and fans.  He still finished the year averaging 20 points and 9.9 rebounds, something the Lakers could certainly use. Randle spent his first four years in the league with L.A.

This would only come into play, says Stein, "IF" the Lakers are unable to swing a Westbrook for Kyrie Irving trade first. 

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