D'Angelo Russell and the Brooklyn Nets have until the beginning of the regular season to reach an extension or Russell will probably be headed for restricted free agency next summer. Russell has talked about wanting to get a deal done this offseason in hopes of not hitting free agency next summer.
Nets general manager Sean Marks seems to not have the same idea in mind and doesn't want to sabotage his 2019 free agency plans by locking money into Russell now.
For now we’re going to see how this group plays together, how it all unfolds,” Marks said via The New York Post. “But — again, I’m not going to rule out anything — as we stand now, this is the group and we have no plans to make any crazy changes, whether that’s an extension or signing or trade anyone else. But things happen quickly.”
The Nets have worked hard to make sure they have two max contract spots open next offseason with a loaded free agency class. If the Nets were to extend Russell now it would lock up at least part of one of those max contract spots and they wouldn't be able to sign two max players next summer.
Signing two-star players is going to be hard next summer for the Nets, especially with how bad the Nets have been the last few years. They could convince players to come to the Nets together in a down Eastern Conference to make a run for the NBA Finals. There is a good chance that Russell will be on the Nets beyond next year, that decision won't be made this offseason though.
Follow Us
Subscribe