Brooklyn Nets point guard D’Angelo Russell is preparing to enter free agency for the first time in his career. Excuse him if he’s a little anxious. Speaking to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis, the 10-year-veteran admits: “I don’t think it’s in my control, to be honest.”
“I’ve been on the team before where everybody was free agents, too,” he considers. “So they’ve got the leverage, they’ve got the cards. If they decide to bring me back, cool. If not, we’ll figure it out.”
Russell has “hope” to stay in Brooklyn, where he’s played two-plus seasons. The 29-year-old’s already been on four teams and been traded four times. At the end of the day though he just wants “to be in the NBA.”
Should Nets Re-Sign Impending Free Agent D’Angelo Russell
You don’t have to be an expert to realize that Russell is in the midst of arguably his worst season as a pro.
In 52 games, the former second overall pick has averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game on .400-.318-.840 shooting splits. His scoring average, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and games started (30) are all career-lows. It’s amazing to think that, at his age, he’s supposed to be in his prime.
Should the Nets really bring back Russell, given his struggles? Indeed, he’s been even worse in Brooklyn than he was in Los Angeles. His averages —13.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game —have bumped up slightly. Yet, he can’t hit the Atlantic Ocean from the coastline, shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 30.1 percent from 3.
Numbers aside, there’s a lot to like about Russell. He’s a skilled ball-handler, passer, and even scorer. When he’s locked in defensively, he can make a positive impact.
The problem is that Russell doesn’t usually bring his A-game. Right now, he’s a C student — as in ‘we’ll see.’ The Nets are better with him on the court than off. Yet, that’s largely due to their lack of options at point guard outside of him.
They traded Dennis Schroder, who had clearly kept his momentum from the Paris Olympics. They reached a buyout agreement with Ben Simmons, who was playing well enough for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers to want to sign him afterwards. Brooklyn even decided not to re-sign Killian Hayes despite him playing relatively well in his brief stint.
Offseason Improvements?
In the offseason, the Nets will be able to significantly improve their talent level at point guard.
Among their potential free agent options, Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet has proven his worth, especially intangibly. Washington Wizards point guard Malcolm Brogdon is a valuable two-way player when healthy. Younger veterans like Tre Jones (Chicago Bulls) and Tyus Jones (Phoenix Suns) are true floor generals.
Before free agency even begins, the 2025 NBA Draft gives them a chance to upgrade. Per Tankathon, Brooklyn currently holds four first rounders — the No. 5, No. 21, No. 26, and No. 27 pick. In the NBA Draft Lottery, they’ll have a 42.1 percent chance of landing a top-four pick and a 10.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick.
With one of those selections, they could wind up with Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper, expected to be the first guard to come off the board. Of note, the Nets have already scouted him in-person. If drafted by Brooklyn, Russell could act as a mentor to Harper. Nonetheless, it definitely puts Russell’s future in a more precarious position.
If the Nets felt obliged or had to draft a different player with their top pick, that’s a different story though.
Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, BYU freshman Egor Demin, Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears, Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson, and Saint-Quentin’s Nolan Traore are all discussed as lottery-caliber point guards. Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe is more of a combo guard but he’s also a highly-touted prospect.
Unfortunately for them, their offensive game isn’t quite as advanced as Harper’s. As a result, they could have a longer pathway to a starting spot.
Then there’s the trade market.
Looking around the league, Utah Jazz combo guard Collin Sexton seems to fit Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez’s philosophy and fiery personality. However, they could look to acquire a player like Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young or Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball as well. Neither Young nor Ball strike fear into their opponents with their defense, but they can be a one-man army on offense.
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