Proposed 3-Team Trade Could See D’Angelo Russell Moving to the Hornets
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a relatively quiet offseason, aside from drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. A potential trade involving D’Angelo Russell appears to be their best option for enhancing the roster before the 2024-2025 season.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report suggested a three-team trade that would send Russell to the Charlotte Hornets.
In this trade scenario:
– Los Angeles would acquire Tre Mann and Nick Richards.
– Charlotte would receive Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, and a 2025 first-round pick (the highest from the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, or Jazz).
– Utah would get Vasilije Micić and a 2031 first-round pick (via Los Angeles).
Pincus also proposed that the Lakers could use the financial flexibility gained from this trade to sign Markelle Fultz, whom he considers the best available free agent point guard. Fultz, who recently completed his seventh NBA season (fifth with the Orlando Magic), averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in 43 regular-season games last year. He would likely take over the starting point guard duties in Russell’s absence.
Russell’s Limited Trade Market
D’Angelo Russell has been a topic of trade rumors ever since he returned to the Lakers for a second stint. However, this summer has seen the most speculation, with the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, actively trying to move the nine-year veteran.
According to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, the Lakers’ attempts to trade Russell have met with little interest from other teams across the NBA. Irwin reported that, before Russell opted into his contract, the Lakers had quietly explored trade options. When Russell eventually exercised his player option, Pelinka intensified efforts to find a new team for him, but with no success.
However, Irwin mentioned that two teams could still be potential landing spots for Russell: the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors. Portland and Washington reportedly have no interest in Russell, while Toronto and Brooklyn might be open to acquiring him, but more for his expiring contract than his on-court contributions.
Last season, Russell averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists in 76 regular-season games with the Lakers. However, his performance dipped in the postseason, where he averaged just 14.2 points on 38/32/50 shooting splits during the Lakers’ first-round exit against the Denver Nuggets.
Fultz’s Fit with the Lakers
While Russell’s shooting ability is undeniable, replacing him with Fultz could present challenges for the Lakers’ offense, which already struggled with three-point shooting last year. According to Stathead, Russell ranked in the top 25 in true shooting percentage among NBA players who took 1000 or more shots last season. Of the 26 players who attempted 500 or more three-pointers, Russell had the second-highest shooting percentage.
In contrast, Fultz has made only 79 three-pointers over his seven-year career. While Fultz offers better defense and more versatile scoring near the basket, his addition might further hinder the Lakers’ three-point shooting, which ranked 24th in the league last season. If signed, Fultz could share point guard duties with Austin Reaves in the starting lineup.
Although not a blockbuster move, the trade proposed by Pincus could provide the Lakers with additional roster depth if they decide to move on from Russell.
