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[Saba Sports News] D’Angelo Russell’s value has skyrocketed from trade asset to highly coveted target.
According to Los Angeles Lakers writer Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Orlando Magic have emerged as the leading contender to challenge the Lakers for Russell’s services this summer.
Buha noted, “Orlando’s the team… probably gives them the most concern in terms of a potential suitor,” indicating significant interest from both inside and outside the Lakers organization.
Russell, a former All-Star at 28, holds a $18.7 million player option for the upcoming season. However, his exceptional performance in the 2023-24 campaign, boasting averages of 18.1 points and 6.4 assists per game with a career-best 42.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc, suggests he may decline the option to explore free agency and secure a lucrative contract.
Currently, Orlando relies on Jalen Suggs as their primary ball-handler, supported by various backcourt partners such as Markelle Fultz, Caleb Houston, Anthony Black, and Gary Harris. While this approach has yielded success, with Orlando posting a 42-31 record this season, the addition of a potent offensive threat like Russell alongside defensive-minded Suggs could significantly bolster their lineup.
With key players like Fultz and Harris set to become free agents this summer, Orlando is expected to have substantial cap space available. Despite the Lakers possessing Russell’s Bird rights, allowing them to offer the most lucrative contract and longest tenure, the Magic’s pursuit of players with Russell’s skill set could create a compelling offseason scenario for both teams.