D'Angelo Russell has been patiently awaiting an extension to his rookie contract, much like draftmate Devin Booker got with the Phoenix Suns with his five-year, $158 million deal. But according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, it's unlikely the Brooklyn Nets give it to him this summer.
The point guard will likely go on to become a restricted free agent after his fourth year in the league, as the state of his worrisome knees will likely dictate if he warrants a big contract from the Nets or another team willing to make a bid.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson hasn't lost faith in his point guard, who showed flashes of brilliance before getting hurt and missing 32 games in the middle of the season due to a knee surgery.
“He’s a talented guy. He’s got great court vision, incredible hand-eye coordination, really understands the game,” Atkinson said on ESPN Radio.
Atkinson has faith that Russell has put in the work to be deserving of that extension and his reps at the gym and on the basketball court have confirmed just that.
“He wants to be great. He’s been in our gym all summer,” said Atkinson. “In the NBA, it’s not an obligation. You’ve got to want to be there. So he’s been there. He’s been really working on his body. He’s got to make strides there. He’s got to get stronger. He worked on his explosiveness. But he’s proven it to me by being there every day the offseason.”
Russell was averaging 21 points per game before he hit the shelf with an unfortunate knee injury. While the potential is clearly there for the lefty Ohio State product, his future contract will go only as far as his knees can carry him.
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