The tables might have turned for a couple of All-Star guards.
With the 2025 NBA Draft set to begin on Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks will soon add Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. However, he might not be the only big name headed to Dallas in the near future.
According to a report from NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks appear to be the lead suitor for Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell. With Kyrie Irving set to miss a large chunk of next season, Russell could take over that spot for him as he recovers, which is ironic considering their history.
Back in 2019, Russell led the Brooklyn Nets to their first playoff appearance in four years and earned his lone All-Star nod. As the leader of that Nets squad, Russell was a key part of setting the culture and showing that Brooklyn could be a winning franchise, but that also attracted some stars to the Nets.
Irving and Kevin Durant headed to Brooklyn in the 2019 offseason, which led to Russell’s departure. With Irving effectively pushing Russell out of town, the two have been linked since that offseason.
Over the next few seasons, Russell bounced around before landing with the Los Angeles Lakers, and rumors swirled during his time there that Irving could again come in to take his place. With Irving’s injury and Russell’s rocky past couple of years, suddenly, Russell has the opportunity to be a replacement for Irving.
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Although Irving will eventually come back next season, Russell could hold down the fort in his absence, and after all their history, it might only be a matter of months before they share the floor.
