NBA · 1 year ago

5 Potential Landing Spots for D’Angelo Russell in NBA Free Agency

Ian Mukundi

Host · Writer

Los Angeles Lakers
If D'Angelo Russell doesn't get the offer he's looking for on the open market, don't be surprised to see him re-sign and stay in LA. The Lakers are looking to make a big move in Free Agency and use their assets to improve the team and remain competitive in the twilight of LeBron James's career. Russell was outstanding for the Lakers over the last few months of the regular season, averaging 19.4 points for the purple-and-gold since February 1. However, D'Angelo struggled in the Lakers' first-round exit to the Denver Nuggets, averaging only 14 points on 38% shooting from the field, including a zero-point performance in Game 4. The Lakers are still searching for a head coach, but they may end up tweaking the roster rather than blowing it up. Russell also made history in Los Angeles this season, making 226 threes, setting the record for most threes in a single season for the Lakers.
5 Potential Landing Spots for D'Angelo Russell in NBA Free Agency
D'Angelo Russell turned down his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and will hit the free agent market this summer. After a solid season averaging nearly 20 points per game, Russell may have many options, including a potential return to LA. It will be interesting to see the market value for the 28-year-old, but here are five potential uniforms Russell could end up in next season.
Orlando Magic
The Magic were the biggest surprise in the NBA, and their emergence led them to a fifth seed in the 2024 playoffs, where they pushed the Cavaliers to seven games but ultimately fell short. Orlando has two highly talented young players, first-time All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and a dynamic point guard could help the team take the next step. D'Angelo Russell is a tremendous shooter and a threat to be guarded outside the arc, freeing up more space for Wagner and Banchero to operate. Russell averaged 6.3 assists this year and is a willing passer who would be able to fit seamlessly as the third option or second option on some nights. Russell isn't a great defender, but Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley can come up with creative ways to hide him, helping scheme the Magic to the third-best defensive rating in the NBA throughout the year.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta was interested in potentially acquiring D'Angelo Russell in a trade deadline deal with the Lakers for Dejounte Murray. Still, both sides cooled on trade talks, and no deal was made. If Atlanta decides to move off of Trae Young, Murray, or potentially both, allowing Russell to slide into the lead guard spot alongside whichever player the Hawks select with the No. 1 overall draft pick at the end of the month. Russell could help fill in some of the void left in the Atlanta backcourt should they move one of their guys, but the fit would be better alongside Murray than alongside Young, with Russell and Young being defensive liabilities.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have the third most projected cap space heading into the offseason, and there are rumblings that they could be sellers moving off pieces like Kris Dunn, Jordan Clarkson, or even their all-star Lauri Markkanen. Utah is pushing along with their rebuild, and a player like D'Angelo Russell, who's looking for a big payday, could come in and be a salary eater. At the same time, they attempt to grow their young players and acquire enough talent through the draft to cash in for a rebuild. Russell would be an exciting player to play alongside Walker Kessler and an even better fit if Markkanen is on the roster next season; however, there would be concerns about the defensive fit.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are expected to go after an upgrade at the guard position via trade or on the market. D'Angelo Russell would be an exciting fit next to Victor Wembanyama and would be someone who isn't afraid to give Wemby the ball when he's open and hit the open looks the French phenom would create. Russell is a high-level threat from downtown, shooting 41.5% from deep this season on over seven attempts a game. The issue with San Antonio would be if Russell's personality and Gregg Popovich's coaching style clash. Still, if they choose this option, it would be cheaper than going after a player like Trae Young, allowing them to use their assets and upgrade in other positions.
Los Angeles Lakers
If D'Angelo Russell doesn't get the offer he's looking for on the open market, don't be surprised to see him re-sign and stay in LA. The Lakers are looking to make a big move in Free Agency and use their assets to improve the team and remain competitive in the twilight of LeBron James's career. Russell was outstanding for the Lakers over the last few months of the regular season, averaging 19.4 points for the purple-and-gold since February 1. However, D'Angelo struggled in the Lakers' first-round exit to the Denver Nuggets, averaging only 14 points on 38% shooting from the field, including a zero-point performance in Game 4. The Lakers are still searching for a head coach, but they may end up tweaking the roster rather than blowing it up. Russell also made history in Los Angeles this season, making 226 threes, setting the record for most threes in a single season for the Lakers.
5 Potential Landing Spots for D'Angelo Russell in NBA Free Agency
D'Angelo Russell turned down his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and will hit the free agent market this summer. After a solid season averaging nearly 20 points per game, Russell may have many options, including a potential return to LA. It will be interesting to see the market value for the 28-year-old, but here are five potential uniforms Russell could end up in next season.

5 Potential Landing Spots for D’Angelo Russell in NBA Free Agency

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