Assumptions are generally not smart to make. At the same time, we all make them — even NBA teams.

Suppose you’re cooking something. Suddenly, you realize you forgot an ingredient. The store is just around the corner – you’ll just run and grab it. The food in the oven won’t burn the house down, right?

Bad assumption. On the other hand, plenty of NBA fans are making assumptions about Russell Westbrook.

Specifically, they’re assuming he won’t be a Los Angeles Laker for the entirety of 2022-23. Realistically, that feels like a safer assumption than the one that has you leaving your oven on.

Moreover, most are assuming that whichever team acquires him won’t be doing so to improve. Instead, they’ll be acquiring draft capital in addition to Westbrook. Also a safe assumption.

At the same time, is it unthinkable that a team would acquire Westbrook hoping that he can still contribute? Here’s a deal that has the Dallas Mavericks doing exactly that.