NBA Rumors: Spurs and Magic both linked to a polarizing all-star 

Both the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic are expected to be in search of point guard help this summer and a surprising name has been linked to both up-and-coming teams. Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell is expected to leave in free agency and could draw interest from the Spurs and Magic, according to the Athletics' Jovan Buha.

Russell is polarizing, to say the least. Although he had a successful season for the Lakers, averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists, his play in the postseason had its fair share of critics who believed that he underperformed for the second straight year.

Still, he helped the Lakers make the postseason with his hot shooting, drilling 41.5% of his 7.2 3-point attempts per game. That resulted in him breaking the Lakers' single-season record for made threes by hitting 223 of them. 

Having a point guard who can shoot like he can, as well as be able to distribute, is likely why he has been linked to the Spurs and Magic. The Magic ranked 29th in 3-point shooting and 24th in 3-point percentage during the regular season, with point guard being arguably their weakest position. Adding Russell would help in both regards.

As for the Spurs, they have a lack of playmaking in general and could use a player such as Russell to be able to get rising superstar Victor Wembanyama the ball. Russell is a skilled player in the pick-and-roll and could do just that while also being a scoring threat himself. 

Will the Spurs or Magic sign D'Angelo Russell this summer?

With both teams having cap space and assets, they are seen as potential landing spots for the likes of Trae Young or Donovan Mitchell but those stars might prove expensive to acquire. Instead, Orlando and San Antonio may hope to save their assets by using cap space to sign Russell.

The Magic can use a long-term upgrade and Russell is young enough at 28 to be that. Meanwhile, the Spurs may draft a point guard in the top-10 this year and could instead use more of a stop-gap option.

Given Russell's personality, he might not be at the top of their list, especially when a cheaper option such as Tyus Jones or even Chris Paul might be available, though Orlando may take a chance on him. Ultimately, the Spurs and Magic are in need of point guard help and Russell can give each team a boost. Nevertheless, the Magic may have more interest than the Spurs might.