D’Angelo Russell, the Los Angeles Lakers guard, may be on the move before the February 8 trade deadline. Rumors are swirling that he could end up with the Brooklyn Nets. The possibility of a trade involving Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks to the Lakers has been discussed, but the Hawks have shown no interest in taking back Russell. As a result, league sources have highlighted Brooklyn as a potential landing spot for the talented guard.
Russell previously played for the Nets from 2017 to 2019 and even earned an All-Star appearance during his time with the team. This season, he is averaging 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. His shooting percentages are also impressive, with 46.5% from the field and 41.6% from three.
However, Russell’s recent performances have been even more impressive. Over his last 14 games, he has been averaging 23.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. His shooting percentages have also improved, with 46.8% from the field and 46.3% from three. His three-point shooting has been particularly noteworthy, as he ranks eighth in the league for three-point attempts over this stretch. Remarkably, Russell has been the most efficient shooter among the players attempting eight or more threes per game.
Furthermore, Russell has excelled in clutch situations. In the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points, he has played 14.8 clutch minutes over the last 14 games. During this time, he has scored 12 points while shooting 50% from the field and 75% from three.
Russell’s recent performances have made the Lakers reconsider trading him. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski stated on his podcast that Russell’s play in recent weeks has changed the Lakers’ view on trading him. As a result, the likelihood of the Lakers moving Russell has decreased significantly.
NETS FRONT OFFICE UNWILLING TO TRADE MIKAL BRIDGES
In a shocking turn of events, the Brooklyn Nets front office has made it abundantly clear that they have no intentions of parting ways with their 27-year-old star, Mikal Bridges. Despite their recent struggles, which have put them on the bubble of the final Play-In Tournament spot alongside the Hawks, the Nets have repeatedly informed other teams that Bridges is off the table.
BROOKLYN NETS UNINTERESTED IN TRADING NIC CLAXTON
As if the news about Bridges wasn’t surprising enough, it has also been revealed that the Nets are not interested in trading their talented center, Nic Claxton. According to reports, the Nets have no plans to shop Claxton ahead of the upcoming deadline. This decision has left many teams disappointed, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith.
NETS CONFIDENT IN PLAYOFF CHANCES DESPITE RECENT STRUGGLES
Despite their current record of 20-30, which places them two games behind the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference, the Nets remain optimistic about their chances of reaching the playoffs. Mikal Bridges, in particular, exudes confidence in his team’s abilities. When asked about their playoff prospects, Bridges stated, “Just gotta be better. Not where we wanna be at right now. But obviously, there’s still a shot. Just gotta play better… but I do think so.”
As the NBA season continues to unfold, the Nets’ steadfastness in keeping Bridges and Claxton on their roster will undoubtedly impact their future. Only time will tell if this decision will lead them to success or if it will come back to haunt them. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.