Brooklyn Nets: 7 free agents to help reach the next level

By Ben Bundy | Jun 13, 2019

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets walks off the court after being defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers during game three of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 18, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4 of 8

NBA Brooklyn Nets D’Angelo Russell (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

5. D’Angelo Russell

It may seem odd to see the Nets best player on this list, but Russell is more than that. He is also their biggest asset. Brooklyn has to decide if they want to continue to build with Russell being their foundation or use him to acquire new talent.

There’s no need to go deeply into Russell’s fit with the team because he showed exactly what he could do last season. With the rumors of Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn circling the league though, the Nets may very well decide to take advantage of Russell as an asset while they still have the option.

He would likely land the team a very good draft pick or trade package if the Nets do decide to make him available in a sign and trade. Rumors of Russell to the Phoenix Suns for their lottery pick have been mentioned. One thing is for sure, whoever Russell plays for next season, he will definitely help that team.

But if Brooklyn does decide to go after Irving, and trades Russell to a team like Phoenix, we could see that turn into an even bigger move. For someone like Anthony Davis for instance. The Nets are in win-now mode, and Russell might just be a casualty in that process.

Home/Brooklyn Nets