Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell knows his free agency decision this summer will come after the “big fish” make their moves first.
Russell becomes a restricted free agent this offseason. Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and Kemba Walker all enter the open market this summer. KD, Irving, Butler and Harris have been linked to the Nets, too.
“It’s more of just the waiting game as far as chess moves have to be made,” Russell told Brian Lewis of The New York Post via phone while on vacation in Spain. “There’s a lot of big fish out there that have to find their destinations so I think I’ll [fall in line after that].
“There are a lot of fish out there that need to find destinations. So whenever that time comes then I have decisions to make on my own, I think I’ll be well ready for it.”
As a restricted free agent, Russell is free to sign an offer sheet with another team, and then the Nets would have 48 hours to match the offer or let the lefty walk.
If Brooklyn is able to sign Irving and Durant, they would most likely let Russell go.
In 2018-19, Russell made his first All-Star team. He averaged 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting 43.4 percent from the field, 36.9 percent from beyond the arc and 78.0 percent from the free-throw line. The Nets made the postseason for the first time since 2015. Brooklyn lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round in five games.
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