NBA Trade Rumors: 4 Potential Landing Spots For D'Angelo Russell

By all accounts, the Los Angeles Lakers will be sacrificing D'Angelo Russell in order to bring in reinforcements by the trade deadline, which arrives in just two weeks. But the Atlanta Hawks, whom the Lakers have been negotiating with over acquiring Dejounte Murray, have no interest in taking back Russell and his guaranteed $18.6 million (player option) owed for next season. 

So that means finding a third team to take on the red-hot Russell, and here, we look at five potential landing spots, as noted by insiders Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and Jovan Buha of The Athletic:

Brooklyn Nets

With rumors surrounding Spencer Dinwiddie, who is seemingly on the way out of Brooklyn by the deadline, the Nets will need another starting point guard, and Russell could fill that spot. 

Charlotte Hornets

A team that will be willing to take on some money in order to take back some draft assets from the Lakers. Russell obviously wouldn't start at the point over LaMelo Ball, but it would be a means to an end for the Bugs.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards' current starter at the point, Tyus Jones, could be traded to a team in need as they look to continue their rebuild, and Russell could slot in at the 'one' in DC, again, if they're able to extract some other assets from the Lakers. 

Detroit Pistons

Another team with a lot of cap space that could be willing to take on Russell if the Lakers throw in some sweeteners to make it worth their while. Again, D'Lo wouldn't be a starter in the Motor City, as Cade Cunningham will continue to run the point. 

For his part, Russell is doing all he can to make the Lakers re-think their plans to move on from him, averaging 27.4 points in his last seven games, while shooting well over 50% from three-point range.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports