Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons D’Angelo Russell needs to be re-signed

In the summer of 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets two days before the NBA Draft. Now, he’s become an indispensable piece.

At this point in time, the Brooklyn Nets are probably thanking president of basketball operations Magic Johnson who once sought to trade D’Angelo Russell in 2017 due to his lack of maturity and leadership. The Los Angeles Lakers then drafted Lonzo Ball with the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Johnson raved about the raw talent, skill-set and leadership of Ball, and that the team needed a leader. However, that description doesn’t seem as accurate today, as the Lakers are on the cusp of possibly trading Ball in order to create a package deal to acquire Anthony Davis, per the Los Angeles Times‘ Brad Turner.

On the flip side, Russell is flourishing under head coach Kenny Atkinson in Brooklyn. Despite the Nightmare on Elm Street narrative in Brooklyn over the last few years, this season has been the exact opposite.

The Nets are currently holding onto the 6-seed in the Eastern Conference at 28-25. This years team has been a breath of fresh air and fun to watch. Part of this team success is due to Russell and his ascension as a point guard in the league.

With the much anticipated 2019 free agency frenzy approaching, teams are looking to sign the franchise player that can change everything. Brooklyn is in a good place, as it currently has one max slot open, with the potential to open up a second one.

Needless to say, the Brooklyn Nets need to re-sign Russell in order to have a successful free agency. Here are three reasons why.