NBA execs think a Donovan Mitchell trade could lead to Russell Westbrook-Patrick Beverley swap?

On a Friday edition of Jake Fischer’s “Please Don’t Aggregate This” podcast, the Bleacher Report NBA insider reported that executives around the league believe that if the Jazz do fully dive into rebuild mode, a trade between them and the Los Angeles Lakers could be possible. The Lakers would land a player they covet in veteran defensive ace, Patrick Beverley.

“I’m not saying this has been discussed, but there’s definitely been a lot of conversation around the league from team executives about if the Jazz do move on from Mitchell and let’s say they have a total of 11 first-round picks from the Rudy Gobert [trade] and the Mitchell deal, and they’re purely in a full rebuild, would that then entice the Jazz to be in a position where they would take back Russell Westbrook for a pick or two?

And send out Beverley and other salaries back to the Lakers, as he has been very much mentioned to me as a Lakers target. Would that be something that’s possible? Maybe. Again, I have not heard these conversations happened but it’s definitely a topic that’s picked up steam around the league this week.”

The Jazz acquired Beverley when they sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in June. However, since the deal, there have been rumors he won’t be in Utah by the time training camp comes around.

Westbrook and his $47 million contract for this season have been seen as untradable. Despite new head coach Darvin Ham and general manager Rob Pelinka publicly stating their interest in having the former league MVP return next season, his poor chemistry with fellow superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis after one season in Los Angeles has kept the door open for a trade this offseason.