Lakers, Timberwolves, Jazz agree to three-way blockbuster

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

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

Wojnarowski then added that Minnesota gets the lesser of the 2024 Washington-Memphis second-round pick and 2025 and 2026 second-round picks via Utah.

Westbrook is expected to be bought out by the Jazz, and it remains to be seen where he'll sign once he hits free agency. The Lakers had explored trading Westbrook and his expiring $47 million contract since before the season.

Like Westbrook, D'Angelo Russell is on an expiring contract and the Timberwolves had not been interested in giving him an extension. Now, Russell heads back to Los Angeles, where he began his career.

Minnesota likely values Conley's veteran presence in their locker room along with his contract, which is partially guaranteed next season. Conley also has chemistry with center Rudy Gobert, whom the franchise acquired last offseason in a blockbuster trade.