Russell Westbrook Attempted to Get Bradley Beal an L.A. Trade Deal

More details have emerged in how Russell Westbrook made his way from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to reports, Westbrook tried to bring Bradley Beal along with him out of Washington.

Making Plays

As reported by The Athletic, Westbrook went straight to Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, to make a deal when Westbrook went to the Lakers in July via trade.

However, before approaching the billionaire owner of the Washington Wizards, Westbrook attempted to change the Wizards’ dynamic.

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He approached Bradley Beal to request a deal out of Washington with him. However, according to the report, Beal declined.

Beal did express his support for Westbrook’s decision to leave the nation’s Capital to go home to Southern California. Westbrook is a Los Angeles native who helped lead UCLA to a pair of Final Four appearances.

From Mega Team To Super Team

The report from The Athletic revealed that Westbrook tried to convince Beal to request the trade before the NBA draft. Additionally, the Wizards organization initially intended on keeping Westbrook and Beal for the upcoming season.

Westbrook wanted to be in the purple and gold. However, talks between the two teams didn’t lead to a deal. The conversations occurred in the weeks before the draft.

Initially, the Wizards were refusing to make Westbrook available leading up to the 2021 NBA draft. Additionally, Westbrook was preparing for the reality that he might play his final NBA years in Washington.

Eventually, Westbrook went to the Lakers on July 29, which coincidentally was the night of the draft. The trade wasn’t officially announced until Aug. 6, when the salary cap became official. In addition, teams couldn’t begin making moves for the upcoming season until then.

Knowledge Is Power

However, Westbrook found out the Lakers were willing to trade Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell for Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings. At that point, along with talks with LeBron James, a deal was reached.

“Thank you DC! You welcomed my family and I with open arms from day one,” Westbrook wrote in his social media post. “Everyone from the front office, to the training staff, the coaches, my teammates, and the fans. I’m grateful y’all took a chance on me and supported me every step of the way.

“I’m blessed to have been a part of such a stand up organization. It didn’t take long to make a home in DC, and I will forever be grateful and appreciative of my experience with the organization. Thank you!”

Trade Spoils

Laker forwards Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, the 22nd overall pick of the 2021 draft, and two future second-round picks in 2024 and 2028 went to the Wizards.

The deal marked the second time in three years the Lakers made a significant offseason trade. They acquired Anthony Davis from New Orleans in 2019 for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks.

With the aura of LeBron James and the history of the purple and gold, Westbrook believed the combination of him and Beal was perfect for Los Angeles. However, the potential mega team will have to remain a super team without Beal.

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