The Nets’ plans for a full-on NBA rebuild took another twist on Sunday, when they sent forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton to the Lakers for guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks.
That’s the same Russell who played for the Nets from 2017-19, before being sent to the Warriors as part of the Kevin Durant trade.
Not long after, Brian Lewis of the New York Post asked Russell if he’d be more motivated to play against the Nets. Russell said no, but with one exception. That being if Nets GM Sean Marks — the man who traded Russell — were to put on a uniform.
“Maybe if Sean Marks was in a jersey, then there’d be something different,” Russell told Lewis. “But he’s not.
“It’s part of the league. Obviously I was traded before that, so I’m sure I could be traded again. I try not to get too comfortable. You know, I know any day you can wake up and get that call, so my bags are packed.”
Interestingly, Marks is the same guy who just reacquired Russell as Brooklyn continues its purge and works its way toward the lottery. Sources told Hoops Wire that forward Cameron Johnson is highly likely the next Net to be sent elsewhere soon.
As for Russell, the fact he’s on an expiring contract that will pay him $18.7 million means he could be traded again. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
As Lewis noted, the Nets currently start Ben Simmons at point guard. He has a $40 million expiring deal.
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