6 Best Destinations For D'Angelo Russell In 2025 Free Agency

It's going to be a busy summer in the NBA, and veteran point guard D'Angelo Russell is expected to be one of many prominent names on the move. He was traded there back in December, in a deal with the Lakers for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. It's his second time back with the franchise, but his future is once again in doubt as the Nets engage in trade talks across the league.

Drafted second overall in 2015, Russell's NBA career has been filled with many ups and downs, and he's bounced around to four different teams over the past 10 years. With career averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, he's someone who can fill the point guard position well, but his value is somewhat minimal given his deficiencies as a competitor and perimeter defender.

For the Nets to truly break free of their endless cycle of mediocrity, they must wipe the slate clean and trade their last remaining veterans for some picks/players to build for the future. With his $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season now over, Russell is set to join the free-agent market, and we guess he will demand around $20 million per year. But even if he can't sign outright with a team, he can still use a sign-and-trade agreement to orchestrate a multi-team deal. For now, six teams stand out as potential landing spots, and all are expected to show some level of interest in the veteran point guard.

Brooklyn Nets

The most likely destination for Russell is back with the Nets. Since they will have an exorbitant amount of cap space this summer (up to $53 million), they'll have no problem signing any player that they want to keep and even some that they never had. But in a limited free agent market, the Nets are probably better off just re-signing Russell to a deal between $60-70 million over three years. 

Unless the Nets sign a star or big-name player, they will likely be a mid-level team at best for the foreseeable future. As a capable shooter, ball handler, and passer, D'Lo brings a lot to the table, and he's the perfect choice to hold down the point guard position until a more permanent answer is found.

Atlanta Hawks

The Trae Young era has been an abject failure for the Hawks, and the future has never been more uncertain for their veteran core. With trusted big man Clint Capela headed for free agency, it could be a sign for the Hawks to try something new. While they don't have the cap flexibility to sign a big-name player, they still have the mid-level exception worth $14.1 million, and they might be able to sign Russell outright if their own free agents return for a discount (Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr.).

If not, the Hawks can always opt to trade for Russell in a bid to acquire Trae Young. While unlikely, the Hawks are growing increasingly desperate, and acquiring Russell (either in free agency or in a sign-and-trade) would be the first step in making the most of a clean slate next season and completing a path to redemption in the East.

Charlotte Hornets

For a team stuck in NBA purgatory, the Hornets are a shockingly expensive team, and they'll have very limited flexibility this offseason. The only way they could feasibly get Russell would be in a sign-and-trade deal, and it would likely have to involve some big names, like LaMelo Ball for Russell, Cam Johnson, and two first-round picks (2026 and 2030). Alternatively, the Hornets could try pairing the guards together to form an elite shooting backcourt.

Whatever the case, it's not by accident that the Hornets are involved in trade rumors this summer, and it's no secret that they are building for the future. As they accumulate draft picks, they'll want players who can keep them competitive during a rough stretch and set an example for the younger guys to follow. Besides playoff experience, Russell's skills as a shooter and floor general should make things easier for all of his teammates on the court.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards aren't going to get any closer to contention this offseason, but they might still have interest in bringing in D'Angelo Russell to help smooth this period of transition. After winning just 18 games this past season, it's hard to get much worse if you're the Wizards, and Russell would certainly provide a major boost in the backcourt. Plus, for his offensive capabilities, there's reason to think he might make an effective partner next to Jordan Poole. 

With limited cap flexibility, the Wizards would need to work a sign-and-trade to add D'Lo, where they would give up either Marcus Smart or Malcom Brogdon along with a future first-round pick (2027). As a younger team looking to the future, Russell might not seem like he fits their timeline at first, but the Wizards need more shot-makers to help them keep up with modern NBA offenses. Until Washington finds their next big star, Russell could be the one that holds it down and leads the charge on offense to help them find a spark.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are currently without a starting point guard after trading away both Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox. While some fans have called for them to rebuild their roster and start from scratch, the Kings are more likely to double down on their new roster by adding complementary pieces to fill the other roles.

While the Kings do not have any cap space this summer (except for the taxpayer mid-level exception for $5.1 million), they can add Russell in a sign-and-trade if they're willing to give up a pick along with someone like DeMar DeRozan or Malik Monk. For his shooting and scoring abilities, he'd be a major boost in the backcourt for Sacramento and an ideal partner next to Zach LaVine, who previously played with Russell for one season on the Timberwolves.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are not ready to give up on Zion Williamson, but it's clear that they need to shake things up before they can compete for a title. Going into next season, they have trust in the tandem of Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum, but there are concerns about the pair being too undersized.

With Russell, perimeter defense will still be an issue, but he's at least got the length to help give him an edge against taller defenders. The Pelicans could give up Bruce Brown in the deal if he agrees to a sign-and-trade, or they can package Herb Jones, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick (2030). As a beast on the inside, Zion Williamson plays his best when surrounded by shooters, and even when Russell isn't scoring consistently, teams still respect his range enough that he consistently spreads the floor.

With so many variables at play, it's impossible to be certain where D'Angelo will play next season, but his future is entirely in his hands. Whether he stays with the Nets or signs to another team, the veteran point guard will be looking to make amends for his failures and prove that he can consistently deliver at a high level on both ends of the floor.