NBA Rumors: Lakers Players Involved In Westbrook Trade Could Be Headed To Brooklyn – Report

The Washington Wizards know they have to find Bradley Beal some backup following the Russell Westbrook trade. And it appears one player who has been displaced in Brooklyn could be that guy – assuming they can piece together a deal.

It was recently reported that the Wizards have agreed to trade Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick. Of those assets, Kuzma and Harrell could be of interest to the Brooklyn Nets, while Washington is eyeing Spencer Dinwiddie, according to a report by Jake Fischer of the Bleacher Report, citing unnamed sources.

A potential sign-and-trade could send either Kuzma or Harrell to Brooklyn in exchange for Dinwiddie, the report said.

While that could make sense for the Wizards, it means that Kuzma and Harrell may be in no better position than they were with the Lakers. Both underachieved playing behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers and stand to suffer the same fate, if not worse.

The Nets have their stars, one more than the Lakers. These are Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Hence, Kuzma and Harrell could be relegated to backups, and this may not help in bringing out the best in them.

However, that trade scenario is easier said than done. Fred Katz of The Athletic cited unnamed sources as saying that Harrell and Kuzma alone may not be enough to close a deal involving Dinwiddie.

Washington needs to restock its backcourt, and that may be done with this free agency. Aside from Westbrook, also set to become free agents are Ish Smith and Raul Neto. Aaron Holiday is coming in as a backup, but the Wizards need to do more if they are to provide Beal with much-needed support.

Kuzma and Harrell are undoubtedly interesting names that other teams would be tempted to pursue. A move to Brooklyn would make sense, but money matters just don’t add up.

If this scenario is to push through, a third team or more assets from Washington may be needed. For now, this is a rumor, but anything can go down this summer.