Recent reports from NBA insider Eric Pincus indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks engaged in discussions regarding a potential three-team trade earlier in the season.
The proposed deal centered around sending D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn and Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles. While negotiations between the Lakers and Hawks ultimately faltered, the Nets remain in talks with the Lakers concerning Russell’s availability.
Pincus noted, “Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (with L.A. getting Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks). That negotiation died between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets still need a starting-caliber guard.”
Spurs Don’t Want to Sign Russell to Their Team
However, the San Antonio Spurs have reportedly expressed no interest in adding Russell to their roster, leaving the Lakers as his primary option if no other team pursues him.
Pincus elaborated, “The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested. If Russell can’t get a viable offer from [other teams], he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday.”
Russell’s impressive performance for the Lakers this season, averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, highlights his value on the court. Despite his contributions, the Lakers view trading Russell as a strategic move to bolster their roster for the upcoming NBA season.
Should Russell opt not to return to the Lakers, the team may collaborate with him to facilitate a trade to ensure they don’t lose him without compensation, prioritizing effective asset management.
