After Saturday's flurry of activity involving big-name players, D'Angelo Russell is one step closer to toward his next NBA destination. And should his top choices fail to result in an agreement, the Brooklyn Nets' guard apparently already has multiple contingency plans in place.
Russell will have interest in signing with the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets if he doesn't remain with the Nets or return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops.
As for some other teams that could need a point guard if his preferred destinations of Brooklyn and Los Angeles fail to come to fruition, the source mentioned the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks as possibilities.
The Nets can almost be crossed off the list as a potential landing spot for Russell. Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn are reportedly expected to quickly discuss a four-year, $140 million contract on Sunday night, parameters to which both sides are amenable. If Irving agrees with the Nets, they will be signing him with cap space, meaning Sean Marks will be forced to renounce the rights to Russell, clearing his salary off the books and making him an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers are Russell's preference in that scenario. But it's a fluid situation for Los Angeles, too, which will prioritize signing Kawhi Leonard ahead of Russell, the player Magic Johnson made the No. 2 overall pick of the NBA Draft just three years ago.
Charlotte is in need of a point guard after losing Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics, while the Knicks are poised to have hordes of cap space to spend if Leonard and Kevin Durant sign elsewhere.
Don't forget about the Minnesota Timberwolves here, either. The Wolves are reportedly confident they can shed enough salary to sign Russell outright, and will pitch him on playing in Minnesota on Sunday night.
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