NBA Trade Rumors: D'Angelo Russell wants a new contract with the Brooklyn Nets
D'Angelo Russell aspires to stay with the Brooklyn Nets beyond this season as they prepare for what could be a crucial summer for the rebuilding team.
Russell is "believed to have told those around him" that he wants to stay with the Nets in free agency, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
In the Dorian Finney-Smith deal, Russell was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers on December 29. Since he is currently playing on a $18.7 million contract that is about to expire, his inclusion in the trade was mostly for salary-matching.
When the offseason starts, the Nets will concentrate on the lottery. They are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the sixth-worst NBA record with a 21-40 record. This year, they might have up to three first-round selections.
All of the teams at the bottom of the standings are vying for the top choice and the chance to choose Cooper Flagg. The Nets presently have an 8.3 percent chance of obtaining that pick, but a lot can change in the next five weeks of the regular season.
Since the team doesn't have a clear point guard replacement, Russell's reputation in Brooklyn may be protected. The team decided not to provide Killian Hayes a second 10-day contract, even though he had been playing on one.
There is room for improvement in Russell's Nets numbers. In 18 games, he is averaging 13.7 points on 38.0 percent shooting and 5.7 assists per contest.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring Russell back if they can get him on a team-friendly contract for one or two years, considering how many gaps are currently on the Nets roster and where they are in the rebuilding process.
Given that Russell is only 29 years old and shoots 36.6 percent from three-point range, it is anticipated that his offensive output would increase with time.
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