The Magic may take a run at D’Angelo Russell in free agency this summer. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers, has heard that Orlando would be the biggest threat to sign away the combo guard (hat tip to Jesse Cinquini of LakersDaily.com).
“Orlando is the team that — talking to people with the Lakers, talking to people outside the Lakers — Orlando is the team that probably gives them the most concern in terms of a potential suitor,” Buha said.
Russell would give Orlando’s backcourt an offensive boost. He’s averaging 18.1 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting a career-best 41.9% from deep this season. Russell holds an $18.7MM option on his contract for next season and can become an unrestricted free agent by turning down that option.
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Hawks forward Jalen Johnson will return to action on Monday night against the Bulls, The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweets. Johnson, who is averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest, has been out since March 18 after suffering an ankle sprain against the Lakers. The Hawks currently hold the final spot for the East’s play-in tournament at No. 10 in the conference.
- Several other Hawks players still require more time to come back from their injuries, the team’s PR department tweets. AJ Griffin (right high ankle sprain) has progressed to individual basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days. Mouhamed Gueye (right UCL sprain) has progressed to full contact workouts, while Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain) has resumed individual basketball activities. He will also be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days.
- Hornets rookie forward Brandon Miller has labeled Clippers forward Paul George the “Greatest Player of All-Time.” Miller got a chance to match up against his idol on Sunday, contributing 22 points, six rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes during Charlotte’s 12-point loss. George paid back Miller with a compliment, according to Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “He’s got a ton of game, and a ton of talent and I’m in his corner,” George said. “So can’t wait to see him fully blossom and be one of those guys that carried the league for a long time.”
Russell would be a good fit in Orlando on paper. They run the offense through Wagner and Banchero so he’d just have to shoot and occasionally create on closeouts. That would give them a lot of guards that have underwhelmed their entire career though.
JJ’s the only long term keeper Imo on that Hawks team
DM and Trae might be kept around to sell some tickets in the short-term but Id slowly be catering that team towards JJ for seasons out
There’s some consolidations to be made (which seems endless to type for these ATL teams) but nothings underwater too much that they cant get a couple things done here in short order without hurting the asset base and cratering down to a full tank
Yes because that’s what Orlando needs… Another back up PG…
D’Angelo Russell to Orlando I am Ok with that but it have to be at the right price and the right contract length. Definitely Russell will be an offensive upgrade over Markelle Fultz.
Anthony Black, Jonathan Isaac for D’Angelo and Jaxson Hayes – Sign and trade (might lopsided on LAL’s favor). Especially, if Russell can be signed as a FA outright, with no S and T.
Imagining a S-and-T scenario, there are many options:
Carter Jr. (Add salary if needed) for D’lo.
Really good trade for LAL. Getting a starting Center and allow AD to play the 4.
I’m not sure if the Magic would entertain this trade.