Brooklyn Nets point guard D’Angelo Russell was cited for marijuana possession last week at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Russell was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams.
The incident came at a bad time for Russell, who becomes a restricted free agent this summer. Some around the league believe the Nets will be hesitant to give Russell a max contract because of the marijuana bust.
However, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post, the incident reportedly won’t affect Russell's value as a free agent this offseason.
But league sources told The Post it won’t affect his value as a free agent, while ESPN reported the Nets are trying to hammer out a deal with their All-Star before he hits the market on July 1.
“It’s not an issue,” one league source told The Post. “I’ve had a cell phone ticket that was more [costly].”
As a restricted free agent, Russell can sign an offer sheet with another team if he wants to. The Nets would then have 48 hours to match the offer or let DLo walk.
Russell averaged 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season for the Nets. The lefty shot 43.4 percent from the floor, 36.9 percent from beyond the arc and 78.0 percent from the free-throw line.
The Nets made the playoffs for the first time since 2015. They lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round in five games.
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