According to recent reports by Eric Pincus, an NBA insider for Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks discussed a three-team deal earlier in the season. The proposed deal involved sending D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn and Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles. Pincus mentioned that the Nets are in discussions with the Lakers regarding Russell.
“Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (with L.A. getting Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks). That negotiation died between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets still need a starting-caliber guard.” Pincus wrote.
Spurs Have No Interest in Adding Russell to Their Roster
He also stated that the San Antonio Spurs have no interest in adding Russell to their roster. If no other team is willing to take Russell, then the Lakers are his only option.
“The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested. If Russell can’t get a viable offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, or Utah Jazz, he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday. It just takes one, but multiple NBA sources question who would be willing to pay Russell if the Magic aren’t,” Pincus added.
Russell played 76 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He shot 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc, and 82.8% from the free-throw line. The Lakers believe that trading Russell is the best option for improving their roster for the next season of the NBA. If he chooses not to return to the Lakers, they may work with him to find a new team, as losing him for free would be poor asset management.
Also Read: “I’ll Try to Take Advantage of It”: D’Angelo Russell Sheds Light on His Lakers Contract Situation
