NBA insider thinks D'Angelo Russell might not suit up for the Brooklyn Nets at all (image credit: IMAGN)
The Brooklyn Nets are among the first teams to make a major trade this season as they acquired D'Angelo Russell from the LA Lakers on Sunday. In exchange, the Nets sent forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton to LA. The Lakers also sent three second round picks to Brooklyn as part of the deal.
Russell gives the Nets a quality point guard with playoff experience. However, his talents do not align with what the Nets are likely trying to do. Brooklyn is one of the teams who are looking ahead to Cooper Flagg and the 2025 NBA draft. According to Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix, there's a chance Russell won't play for Brooklyn.
Mannix believes that the Nets front office could buy out Russell's contract.
"Will D'Angelo Russell play for Brooklyn? Russell is on an expiring contract that will pay him $18.7 million this season. Nets are full speed on the race to the bottom. A buyout wouldn't be surprising," Mannix tweeted on Sunday.
