NBA insider predicts D'Angelo Russell might not suit up for Nets amid Cooper Flagg sweepstakes

The Brooklyn Nets are among the first teams to make a major trade this season as they acquired D'Angelo Russell from the LA Lakers on Sunday. In exchange, the Nets sent forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton to LA. The Lakers also sent three second round picks to Brooklyn as part of the deal.

Russell gives the Nets a quality point guard with playoff experience. However, his talents do not align with what the Nets are likely trying to do. Brooklyn is one of the teams who are looking ahead to Cooper Flagg and the 2025 NBA draft. According to Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix, there's a chance Russell won't play for Brooklyn.

Mannix believes that the Nets front office could buy out Russell's contract.

"Will D'Angelo Russell play for Brooklyn? Russell is on an expiring contract that will pay him $18.7 million this season. Nets are full speed on the race to the bottom. A buyout wouldn't be surprising," Mannix tweeted on Sunday.

The Brooklyn Nets are 12-19 and 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Flagg is the consensus No.1 overall pick for the 2025 NBA draft, should he declare for it. This season, Flagg is averaging 16.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks.

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D'Angelo Russell's lone All-Star season happened when he was with the Brooklyn Nets

This is not the first time that the LA Lakers have traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. In 2017, Russell was dealt to the Nets along with Timofey Mozgov in exchange for Brook Lopez and the draft rights to Kyle Kuzma.

In his first year with the Nets, he only played 48 games. He averaged 15.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 5.2 apg. He had his breakout season the following season.

He played 81 games and carried a big load on offense. Russell averaged 21.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 7.0 apg. He also excelled on defense, averaging 1.2 spg. His performance earned him his only All-Star nod.

He was selected by Giannis Antetokounmpo for the All-Star game. Russell put up six points on a 2-for-5 shooting, with both his makes coming from beyond the arc. He added three assists in 12 minutes of action. Team Giannis lost to Team LeBron 178-164.

If the Brooklyn Nets buy out Russell's contract, he could end up as a highly coveted free agent. He could land on a contending team in need of a point guard where he will once again have a chance to lead the offense.