The Grizzlies have been discussed as a possible third team in a rumored Russell Westbrook trade with the Pacers and Lakers

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were seeking for Russell Westbrook trade, and the Memphis Grizzlies may have played a part in those discussions.

• Mets-Nationals game at Citi Field (10/4/22) weather forecast: Rain warns pivotal NL East game (UPDATE)

Russell Westbrook trade

Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors this offseason.

While he is still with the Lakers for the time being, The Athletic reports that he has had lengthy discussions with the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers wanted a pair of unsecured first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, but they wanted to trade one of those picks for more immediate help.

In their embracing piece, Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha wrote about the Grizzlies:

“The Lakers and Pacers also discussed adding a third team, such as the Grizzlies, who could take a 2027 or 2029 first-rounder from the Lakers for two first-rounders of their own to send to Indiana, according to sources. For the Pacers, every conversation with the Lakers led to an ultimate demand: Both of L.A.’s available first-round picks — or no deal.”

The Grizzlies definitely fit the bill for this potential deal, especially considering that the team recently succeed first-round picks Jake LaRavia and David Roddy in the draft.

On a team that is assumed to cope this season, both LaRavia and Roddy will struggle to get playing time in the spin.

However, adding more first-round picks in the next two years may not be the best long-term investment for the Grizzlies.

If the Grizzlies were able to acquire one of these unsecured first-round picks at the end of the decade, Memphis could use that pick to gain more, or package it in a trade down the road.

As an example, consider the following potential trade:

Pacers receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round unsecured pick (from LAL), 2023 first-round unsecured pick (from MEM), 2025 first-round unsecured pick (from MEM)

Lakers receive: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner

Grizzlies receive: Unprotected first-round pick in 2029 (from LAL)

The Grizzlies have used recent drafts to build their current core, but it will soon be time for the team to stop bringing in players and instead rely on those draftees to develop into the players they knew they could be.

A deal like this could be advantageous in the long run, but the Grizzlies also like the players they have now and the position they are in, so it appears to be a win-win situation for Memphis.

About Los Angeles Lakers