After a breakout year, D'Angelo Russell has become one of the top players to watch this NBA free agency. And while he could easily re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets for the 2019-20 NBA wars, there is a possibility that he could get bumped off if Kyrie Irving comes on board. Hence, DLO's future hinges a lot on the Nets' offseason moves.
Ironically, Irving has also been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. After he and LeBron James ended up in speaking terms again, critics felt that a potential reunion in Hollywood would be next. However, it will all still depend if the Lakers can afford Uncle Drew. With the impending coming of Anthony Davis, the Lakers will have limited salary space for the next NBA season.
They will only have $23.7 million available in team salary budget, figures that may not be enough to land a third superstar for the purple and gold. All that is likely to be discussed in a 'set meeting' between Russell and his former team, the Nets Daily said.
The case is different for the Nets although there is a monkey wrench in the equation. The original plan was to pursue Irving and Kevin Durant - a tandem that can instantly make Brooklyn as one of the favorites next NBA season. With Durant likely out for the 2019-20 NBA season, the Nets are expected to weigh their options and see the feasibility of still adding Uncle Drew to the fold.
As for Russell, the 23-year-old guard is reportedly open to the idea of returning to the Lakers - the only other team he has played for since entering the league back in 2015. However, DLO also added that it all depends on the money on the table. Apparently knowing his stock has risen, Russell will be looking at the best offers on the table, Arye Abraham said.
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Multiple teams are expected to meet with Russell with the second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft expected to look at the money tendered and the chances of that team next season. Russell played an instrumental role for Kenny Atkinson last season, helping Brooklyn make the NBA playoffs. From that alone, Russell will likely factor that in and want to make the postseason wars again and hopefully do better.
Among the teams allegedly interested in Russell include the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns. Both teams are comprised of young cores, making a mature DLO fit to quarterback both squads. But as far as making the playoffs, the Nets and the Lakers seem to have better chances of making it - at least on paper as of this writing.
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