Some NBA teams may be inclined to steal D’Angelo Russell from the Lakers this summer.

The 2024-25 NBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing periods in recent memory, especially for fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. After rumors swirled during the trade deadline about the Lakers’ intentions to move D’Angelo Russell, all eyes are now on the talented point guard as he approaches a pivotal point in his career. At 28 years old, Russell finds himself at the cusp of his prime, poised to secure a multi-year contract that could define his future in the league.

Despite the Lakers’ attempts to potentially part ways with him earlier, Russell has been nothing short of sensational on the court. His stellar performance this season has only amplified his value in the eyes of many NBA franchises. However, with a player option worth $18.6 million looming, Russell faces a critical decision this offseason – whether to exercise his option and remain with the Lakers or test the free agency waters in pursuit of a more lucrative deal and potentially a new home.

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Chicago Bulls
Projected Cap Space: $31M

With Lonzo Ball likely to have his Team Option declined, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in need of a new point guard to fill the void, especially if they opt not to trade Zach LaVine or Nikola Vucevic. Additionally, they face the decision of whether to re-sign DeMar DeRozan, for whom they hold Bird Rights. In this scenario, D’Angelo Russell could emerge as a viable option for the Bulls, providing scoring, playmaking, and leadership to complement their existing roster.

In the 2023-24 season, Russell has showcased his abilities with averages of 18.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, proving himself as a dynamic offensive threat capable of running an offense efficiently. Pairing Russell’s scoring prowess with the offensive firepower of LaVine and Vucevic could create a formidable trio for the Bulls, bolstering their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

Moreover, Russell’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and create opportunities for his teammates could elevate the Bulls’ offensive versatility, providing head coach Billy Donovan with additional lineup options and strategic flexibility.

If the Bulls decide to pursue D’Angelo Russell in free agency, it could signify a bold move aimed at strengthening their backcourt and solidifying their position as a rising force in the East. With ample cap space and the potential to construct a compelling offer, Chicago could emerge as a serious contender for Russell’s services, adding another intriguing chapter to the NBA offseason narrative.

Brooklyn Nets
Projected Cap Space: $6M

The Brooklyn Nets find themselves in an intriguing position heading into the 2024 offseason. With Dennis Schroder and Dennis Smith Jr. occupying the starting point guard roles and no significant contracts to re-sign, Brooklyn could explore ways to bolster its roster and fortify its championship aspirations. One potential avenue could involve pursuing a reunion with D’Angelo Russell, who previously had a memorable stint with the team.

Russell’s time with the Nets marked a significant chapter in his career, highlighted by his All-Star selection during the 2018-2019 season. That year, he showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, solidifying himself as one of the league’s rising talents.

In the playoffs, Russell elevated his game, demonstrating his ability to thrive under pressure. Despite the Nets ultimately falling short, Russell’s performances garnered attention and underscored his potential to be a franchise cornerstone.

A potential return to Brooklyn could see Russell slotting into a core alongside promising young talents such as Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton. His familiarity with the organization, coupled with his established chemistry with some of the team’s current players, could facilitate a seamless transition back into the Nets’ system.

From a strategic standpoint, acquiring Russell would provide the Nets with another dynamic scoring threat and a floor general capable of orchestrating their offense. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball effectively could alleviate some of the playmaking burden on other key contributors.

Although limited cap space presents a challenge for the Nets, exploring avenues to offload Schroder’s $12 million salary could open up the possibility of reuniting with Russell, adding depth and firepower to their roster.

New Orleans Pelicans
Projected Cap Space: $6M

The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2024 offseason with aspirations of building a roster capable of contending in the highly competitive Western Conference. With limited cap space but a desire to surround their young core with talent, the Pelicans could explore creative avenues to maximize their resources, potentially including a pursuit of D’Angelo Russell.

Pairing Russell with CJ McCollum in the backcourt could provide the Pelicans with a dynamic scoring duo, capable of stretching defenses and creating opportunities for their teammates. McCollum’s ability to play off the ball and excel as a secondary scorer would complement Russell’s playmaking skills, offering versatility and firepower to the Pelicans’ offense.

To facilitate such a move, New Orleans could consider offloading Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr., freeing up approximately $15 million in additional cap space. This financial flexibility could enable the Pelicans to address other areas of need, potentially re-signing key contributors like Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their frontcourt presence.

With Russell, McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Valanciunas forming a formidable starting lineup, the Pelicans would boast a well-rounded roster capable of competing at a high level. Russell’s ability to initiate offense, coupled with McCollum’s scoring prowess, would provide New Orleans with multiple scoring threats and enhance their offensive efficiency.

As the Pelicans seek to solidify their position as playoff contenders, the potential addition of D’Angelo Russell could represent a significant step forward in their quest for postseason success. While navigating the complexities of the offseason will undoubtedly present challenges, New Orleans’ pursuit of Russell underscores their commitment to building a competitive and compelling roster for the upcoming season.

Orlando Magic
Projected Cap Space: $62M

The Orlando Magic find themselves in a unique position heading into the 2024 offseason, armed with the 3rd most projected cap space of any team in the league. With ample financial flexibility and a burgeoning young core, the Magic are poised to accelerate their rebuild and ascend the ranks in the Eastern Conference.

One potential target for Orlando in free agency could be D’Angelo Russell, whose scoring prowess and playmaking abilities could provide a significant boost to their backcourt. With Markelle Fultz’s contract set to expire, the Magic have the opportunity to pursue Russell as a potential upgrade, signaling their intent to take the next step in their rebuilding process.

Pairing Russell with rising stars such as Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Suggs could create a dynamic and versatile lineup capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Suggs, in particular, could thrive in a sixth-man role, providing energy off the bench and serving as a defensive anchor for the team.

Furthermore, the defensive prowess of Jonathan Isaac would add another dimension to Orlando’s roster, solidifying their identity as a team capable of locking down opponents on the defensive end.

By adding Russell to their roster, the Magic would not only bolster their offensive firepower but also establish a core group of players capable of growing and developing together. Russell’s ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates would alleviate some of the scoring burden on the Magic’s young stars, allowing them to flourish and reach their full potential.

As Orlando continues its ascent in the Eastern Conference standings, the potential addition of D’Angelo Russell could serve as a catalyst for further success, propelling the Magic into playoff contention and positioning them as a team to watch in the years to come. With their sights set on building a sustainable contender, the Magic’s pursuit of Russell underscores their commitment to constructing a competitive and compelling roster for the future.

Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Cap Space: $76M

As the Philadelphia 76ers embark on a new chapter in the 2024 offseason, they find themselves in a position of significant roster turnover and strategic reevaluation. With only Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul Reed slated to remain on the roster for the upcoming season, the Sixers have ample cap space and flexibility to reshape their team and make a splash in free agency.

The impending free agency of key contributors like Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington presents both challenges and opportunities for Philadelphia. While some players may depart, others could be re-signed or replaced with strategic acquisitions to complement the team’s core.

Enter D’Angelo Russell, a dynamic point guard with All-Star caliber talent and a proven track record of offensive prowess. Russell’s arrival in Philadelphia would not only address the team’s need for a primary ball-handler and playmaker but also inject a new dimension of scoring and creativity into their lineup.

With Russell orchestrating the offense, Tyrese Maxey could transition seamlessly to the shooting guard position, leveraging his scoring ability and off-ball skills to thrive alongside Russell. The duo would form a potent backcourt tandem, capable of generating scoring opportunities both for themselves and their teammates.

For Joel Embiid, Russell’s arrival could prove especially beneficial. As one of the league’s most dominant big men, Embiid has often faced double and triple teams, limiting his offensive efficiency. Russell’s floor-spacing and playmaking abilities would provide Embiid with another perimeter threat to draw defenders away from the paint, opening up driving lanes and creating more scoring opportunities for the All-Star center.

Despite Embiid’s injury history, Russell’s presence could help alleviate some of the offensive burden placed on him, ensuring a more balanced and competitive team approach.

As the Sixers navigate the complexities of free agency and roster construction, the addition of D’Angelo Russell could signify a bold step forward in their quest for championship contention. With ample cap space and the potential to assemble a formidable roster, Philadelphia has the opportunity to redefine its identity and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

San Antonio Spurs
Projected Cap Space: $34M

As the San Antonio Spurs continue their rebuilding efforts, the 2024 offseason presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate their trajectory back to competitiveness. Despite languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings in the current season, the Spurs boast a promising young core that includes the likes of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and the highly-touted prospect Victor Wembanyama, projected to be the next Rookie of the Year.

However, to complete their roster and transform into a competitive force once again, the Spurs are in need of an elite point guard to lead their offense. Enter D’Angelo Russell, a proven playmaker with the ability to elevate the play of those around him.

Russell’s skill set would seamlessly slot into the Spurs’ lineup, providing much-needed stability and leadership at the point guard position. His scoring ability, coupled with his knack for creating opportunities for his teammates, would inject a new dimension of offensive firepower into San Antonio’s game plan.

Moreover, Russell’s experience in the league could serve as a valuable asset in nurturing the development of the Spurs’ young talent. His mentorship and leadership could help guide players like Vassell, Johnson, and Wembanyama as they continue to hone their skills and adapt to the rigors of NBA competition.

By securing Russell as their starting point guard, the Spurs would not only address a glaring roster need but also signal their intent to compete at a higher level in the seasons to come. With a projected $34 million in cap space at their disposal, San Antonio possesses the financial flexibility to make a compelling offer to Russell and potentially expedite their return to contention in the Western Conference.

As the Spurs embark on this next phase of their journey, the addition of D’Angelo Russell could serve as a catalyst for renewed optimism and excitement among fans, signaling a promising future ahead for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

Utah Jazz
Projected Cap Space: $54M

Amidst a period of transition following the departures of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz find themselves at a crossroads. While the loss of key pillars may have left a void, the Jazz remain determined to remain competitive and avoid a full-scale rebuild. Led by the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton, Utah aims to stay in contention while charting a new course for the future.

One critical piece missing from the Jazz puzzle is a seasoned and reliable point guard to steer the team forward. In this regard, D’Angelo Russell emerges as a compelling option. Known for his scoring prowess and playmaking ability, Russell possesses the skills and experience to elevate Utah’s game to new heights.

With a projected $54 million in cap space, the Jazz have the financial flexibility to make a significant splash in free agency. Acquiring Russell would not only address their need for a floor general but also inject a potent offensive weapon into their lineup.

Pairing Russell with the likes of Markkanen, Clarkson, and Sexton could create a dynamic offensive core capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Russell’s ability to initiate offense, create scoring opportunities for himself and others, and stretch the floor with his outside shooting would complement the scoring prowess of his teammates and provide the Jazz with a multifaceted offensive attack.

Furthermore, Russell’s experience and leadership qualities could prove invaluable in guiding Utah’s young talent and instilling a winning culture within the team. As the Jazz navigate this period of transition, Russell’s presence could serve as a stabilizing force, helping the team navigate the challenges of rebuilding while remaining competitive on the court.

In the pursuit of D’Angelo Russell, the Utah Jazz have the opportunity to redefine their identity and position themselves for sustained success in the seasons to come. With their sights set on a brighter future, Utah aims to rise from the ashes of change and emerge as a formidable force in the NBA landscape once again.