Despite having played for four different teams throughout his career, D’Angelo Russell is still only 27 years old and offers some sort of upside.
His original Los Angeles Lakers team re-acquired the star guard from the Minnesota Timberwolves during February’s NBA trade deadline. Russell played well before struggling big time in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.
Right now, there are mixed signals about whether the Lakers are seriously interested in retaining Russell during NBA free agency. What we do know is that they have been quietly looking for upgrades at the point. Should that not happen, a return to Southern California could be in the cards. Below, we look at five ideal D’Angelo Russell landing spots during free agency this summer.
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Houston Rockets
Houston was linked to both James Harden and Fred VanVleet leading into free agency. With Harden having opted into his contract and set to be traded, it’s not known whether the Rockets are a possible destination. Instead, general manager Rafael Stone seems to be targeting VanVleet. If that doesn’t happen, Russell wouldn’t be a back backup option.
- D’Angelo Russell stats (2022-23): 17.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 47% FG, 40% 3-point
Acquiring Russell to team up with the likes of Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green and rookie Amen Thompson in the backcourt would not be terrible for a Rockets team that has money to spend in free agency.
Utah Jazz
As evidenced by their acquisition of John Collins earlier in the summer, the Jazz are not simply building through the draft. They are willing to spend capital on youngsters who will have a long-term future with the team.
Meanwhile, rumors are coming out of Salt Lake City that current point guard Collin Sexton is on the trade block. Replacing him with Russell could make sense. It would give Utah three players in Russell, Collins and Lauri Markkanen who have all played at All-Star levels at points throughout their careers. That’s nice to go with a solid young core.
Miami Heat
The defending Eastern Conference champs don’t have the cap room to sign D’Angelo Russell outright. They are also being linked to better options such as James Harden and Damian Lillard on the trade block.
If that were not to come to fruition, Pat Riley and Co. still need to find an upgrade over Kyle Lowry at point. Russell would be just that. In this hypothetical, Miami offers up sharpshooter Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade. The Lakers need that perimeter shooting.
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles’ aspirations of landing someone like Chris Paul or Kyrie Irving can now pretty much be thrown out the window. Paul is now playing for the division-rival Golden State Warriors. Dallas is not interested in a sign-and-trade that would send D’Angelo Russell to Big D for Irving.
Without many options, the Lakers might simply opt to run it back with Russell. They don’t really have a ton of options at this point.
Los Angeles Clippers
Wouldn’t this be something? These two Southern California rivals coming together in a sign-and-trade. While unlikely, there are parts that could make sense for both sides. The Clippers have been hunting for a point guard. Most recently, they’ve been linked to James Harden. Prior to that, a trade for Malcolm Brogdon fell through. It’s clear that the Clips are looking for an upgrade at this all-important position.
From the Lakers’ standoint, they can take advantage of the Clippers desparation by demanding Norman Powell and another rotational piece in a sign-and-trade for Russell. Finding more shooting and depth should be a key for general manager Rob Pelinka. Without a ton of options outside of the midlevel exception, a two-for-one involving Russell could make sense.