D’Angelo Russell is one among six free brokers the Nets should determine on this summer time.
Consider it or not, the veteran flooring normal has by no means examined the open market — probably not. After his first stint with Brooklyn in 2019, Russell was signed and traded to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that despatched Kevin Durant to the Nets.
In 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Russell again to the Los Angeles Lakers, the place he inked a two-year, $36 million contract. He then exercised his participant possibility for the 2024-25 season and didn’t enter free company in 2024. The Lakers traded Russell again to Brooklyn in December.
Russell doesn’t match the Nets’ rebuilding timeline on paper. He’s 29 years outdated. He’ll be 30 in February. And with 4 first-round picks and one second-round decide within the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn seems to be intent on getting youthful.
Nonetheless, each youthful roster wants a veteran presence or two who can lead by instance and share their experiences. If Brooklyn does determine to maintain Russell past this season, that’s the sort of position it envisions for him.
“I think mentorship is always important,” head coach Jordi Fernandez stated. “And also you’ve seen it from Dennis [Schroder] from [Dorian Finney-Smith] from [Cam Johnson] from D’Lo. These guys, although I think about them nonetheless very younger and of their prime, are capable of speak to the youthful guys and assist them and maintain them accountable once they need to.
“They’ve done a great job. All of these guys. Unfortunately, some of them are not here anymore. D’Lo’s had this role where he’s been vocal because he has experience, he’s gone through the process, he understands what we’re trying to do. He’s been very helpful for everybody else, and he’s been very good himself in his role.”
Russell missed his third straight recreation on Thursday towards the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Heart due to a proper ankle sprain. He’s averaged 12.9 factors, 2.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists throughout 29 appearances for Brooklyn this season whereas taking pictures simply 36.7% from the sector. The Nets have been 16-34 with out him this season.
Johnson (decrease again contusion) and Day’Ron Sharpe (proper knee sprain) additionally missed Thursday’s recreation. The Nets will end their season with a street recreation towards the Timberwolves on Friday and a house recreation towards the Knicks on Sunday.
“CJ’s pretty sore, same with all three guys, they’re not able to play,” Fernandez stated.
