D’Angelo Russell’s struggles continued Wednesday night in Miami, where he managed just 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting in a brutal 134-93 loss. Now, trade rumors are starting to swirl around the former All-Star guard.
According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, the Brooklyn Nets could emerge as a landing spot for Russell – bringing him back to where his career started. “We won’t go so far as to say which of the Brooklyn Nets’ many available vets will come back to the Los Angeles Lakers,” Hughes writes, “but there are plenty of intriguing options between Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton and even old friend Dennis Schroder.”
Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell warms up at Crypto.com Arena.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The deal could work for both sides. Brooklyn gets salary matching pieces (and possibly draft picks or young talent like Hood-Schifino or Christie), while the Lakers could land the defensive-minded big man they’ve been seeking in Claxton (much-needed help for an overburdened Anthony Davis).
For Russell, who’s been filling in for the injured Austin Reaves but struggling to find consistency, a change of scenery might be exactly what’s needed. The question is whether Brooklyn sees enough upside in the sweeteners to help solve the Lakers’ mounting problems.
With Russell’s inconsistent play and the Lakers desperate for help, a return to Brooklyn feels increasingly possible. While he likely wouldn’t stay with the Nets long-term, his $19 million expiring contract could be the key to unlocking the veteran help Los Angeles needs. As the trade deadline approaches, this might be one of those rare deals that makes sense for everyone involved.
