Inside The Nets

Can D'Angelo Russell make a return to the Brooklyn Nets?

The trade rumors are swirling for most of the league, including the Brooklyn Nets.

Peter Sunjic

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Nets are one of the biggest teams primed to be involved in the 2024 NBA trade deadline with plenty of available paths. Most people might point to Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale as the movable assets, but they should also remember Spencer Dinwiddie's expiring contract.

That has made him a tradeable player at the deadline, and the Los Angeles Lakers have already shown interest in the Nets guard. A move to LA is significant because it might mean a Brooklyn return for D’Angelo Russell.

“The Lakers are known to have interest in Spencer Dinwiddie and is likely to generate a market before the deadline,” Action Network’s Matt Moore wrote about all 30 teams in the article.

A bittersweet return

It would not be the first time that DLo and Brooklyn are together because the former Ohio State Buckeye was superb in his two-year stint with the Nets. In the 2018/19 season, Russell was the Nets’ best player, even earning an All-Star nod.

In the following offseason, the Nets took a big swing by including Russell in the sign-and-trade package for Kevin Durant. It was an understandable deal for Brooklyn and general manager Sean Marks to make, but they did have to part ways with a cult hero like DLo.

The trade was a bittersweet end to an exciting time for Nets basketball. Russell made the fans believe in the team again, but getting a shot at landing Kevin Durant comes once in a blue moon. The Nets had to do it, and the swing was superb, even if it had a bittersweet end a few years later.

Russell can revive his career with Brooklyn again

Russell revived his ailing NBA career with Brooklyn and can do it again. D’Angelo has not been as productive as he would want on the Los Angeles Lakers roster.

Being a first or second option for the Nets can be a big positive for Russell because he can build more confidence and possibly return to his All-Star form from 2019.

With footage of Russell seemingly getting teary-eyed on the Lakers bench, there might be a chance that he’ll get moved by the deadline. Whether it’s for Dejounte Murray, Spencer Dinwiddie, or a three-team trade involving all three players, DLo will get a fresh start.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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