Report: Spurs Not Interested In D’Angelo Russell

Russell can become an unrestricted free agent this summer by declining his 2024-25 player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested,” Pincus wrote. “If Russell can’t get a viable offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors or Utah Jazz, he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday. It just takes one, but multiple NBA sources question who would be willing to pay Russell if the Magic aren’t.”

The Spurs have been linked to Chris Paul, Dejounte Murray, Trae Young and Darius Garland. They need a point guard in the worst way. 

San Antonio needs a dynamic point guard next to Victor Wembanyama. There were too many times this season when Spurs guards missed Wembanyama on open rolls to the basket and alley-oops.

Wembanyama had a terrific rookie season. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.6 blocks. The 20-year-old led the NBA in blocks and blocks per game. 

Russell appeared in 76 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. 

A one-time All-Star, Russell is expected to decline his player option for next season worth $18.7 million. 

The Lakers, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games, are interested in trading for Murray, Young and Donovan Mitchell.

Young and Murray will be available in trade talks this summer, but Mitchell is expected to sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Russell has career averages of 17.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists with the Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite his struggles in the postseason, Russell has proven to be a good fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis since he’s a strong 3-point shooter.