Sep 26, 2022; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham reacts during Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
D’Angelo Russell has been mentioned as a possible trade piece for the Los Angeles Lakers. His second stint with L.A. hasn’t gone as smoothly as he had intended.
His pairing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis is best described as awkward. Still, Russell has shown some signs of life in recent weeks, but it may be too late.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Brooklyn Nets could be interested in reuniting with their former guard.
Russell spent two seasons with the Nets, from 2017 to 2019. During that time, he produced some of his best basketball performances. His only All-Star selection came in his second season with the team.
The Nets require a real guard. They need someone to handle the ball and let star striker Mikal Bridges shine as a scorer and excellent defender.
Russell understands the franchise. He understands the fan base. He would most certainly welcome a return to New York, where he was once regarded as a top guard in the Eastern Conference.
For Brooklyn, reacquiring Russell would be a full circle moment. He was part of the deal that brought Kevin Durant to the organization in 2019. He was the first domino to fall as the Nets attempted to assemble a star-studded team. It did not work out for either party.
Bringing Russell back into the fold would be interesting. He is clearly a more complete player now. However, he has not reached the heights he did under Kenny Atkinson during his two seasons with the team.
It’s sometimes best to avoid revisiting the past. However, given the Nets’ current roster structure and need for a guard, Russell may find himself in an excellent circumstance for the second time in his career.
A transfer to Brooklyn would most certainly be welcomed by all parties concerned, especially the team’s fans.
