2019 NBA free agency: Predicting where the top free agents will land
D’Angelo Russell: Phoenix Suns
It’s time for our big wild card. This may seem unlikely for the time being, but could wind up quickly falling into place based on a series of domino effects. For starters, Kyrie Irving takes his talents to the Brooklyn Nets, which feels inevitable. Then, the Nets either land a second star, or decide they just don’t want to play Kyrie and D’Angelo Russell together, so they cut bait.
At that point, Russell will have plenty of suitors as a 23-year-old coming off a breakout season where he averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game and earned his first All-Star selection.
The Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and any other team looking for point guard help could throw its name in the ring. The Athletic‘s Shams Charania and ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski report the Lakers have him atop their list, which would just be typical. Both ESPN‘s Zach Lowe and Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro also expressed doubts about the Phoenix Suns‘ interest in D-Lo outside of Devin Booker.
I don't think I have been asked about any single player more than D'Angelo Russell who will likely get his rights renounced if the Nets get Kyrie Irving. Once again as we have been saying for a month now - D'Angelo Russell is NOT an option for the Suns.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 18, 2019
However, the Suns could quickly progress from “unlikely destination” to “legitimate dark horse” if the Lakers set their sights higher and Russell expresses interest in playing with his buddy Booker.
It’d take a max contract in the $27 million range per year, but the Suns need a point guard and have the means to get there. Despite a plethora of other point guard options, one executive believes this is the team that really wants Russell, per The Athletic.
If Phoenix dumps Josh Jackson somewhere and then either lets Kelly Oubre Jr. walk, finds a way to trade Tyler Johnson‘s $19.2 million contract or stretches and waives him, it could approach max cap space. That’s a lot to ask to sign a guy who may be a poor defensive fit alongside a fellow sieve like Book, but the Suns need an injection of talent that still fits their timeline. Don’t count this pairing out just yet.