Traditionally, the NBA trade deadline is a chaotic time with teams making multiple trades in rapid succession, leaving fans overwhelmed with information. However, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets decided to break this pattern by striking a deal early, giving everyone time to digest the news.
The trade involved D’Angelo Russell heading to the Nets along with Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031), while Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton moved to the Lakers.
Both teams came out of the trade looking good, with the Lakers adding a versatile player in Finney-Smith to complement their star duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. On the other hand, the Nets acquired Russell as a salary dump with potential draft assets.
Finney-Smith’s arrival fills a gap for the Lakers, providing them with a defensive-minded player who can also contribute on offense. His ability to guard multiple positions and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc makes him a valuable addition for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
On the other hand, Russell’s departure from the Lakers could be seen as a positive move, considering his struggles on both ends of the court this season. His defensive deficiencies and questionable decision-making made him a poor fit for the team’s current direction.
While the Lakers had to part with draft picks to complete the trade, they managed to retain their first-round selection, ensuring they didn’t sacrifice their future for immediate gains.
Additionally, the acquisition of Milton gives the Lakers a scoring punch off the bench, adding depth to their roster and flexibility in tight situations.
For the Nets, the trade was primarily a financial move, shedding Russell’s expiring contract while gaining future draft assets. With Finney-Smith likely to opt out of his contract next summer, the Nets preemptively secured a replacement while bolstering their draft capital.
Considering the Nets’ desire to position themselves for a high draft pick in 2025, the trade makes sense in the context of their long-term strategy. While losing Finney-Smith is a blow, Russell’s potential impact on the team’s performance could ultimately benefit their draft position.