Should the Indiana Pacers pursue D’Angelo Russell in free agency?
How much is D’Angelo Russell worth to the Pacers?
Judging a players value at a young age has shown to burn teams in the past, like it did when the Lakers sent their 2nd overall pick to the Nets, after just two seasons, when Lonzo Ball was their future. Assuming some of Russell’s weaknesses would improve with experience and a change of scenery, the point guard is one of the best options on the market.
The Pacers have found themselves with a generous amount of cap space in a free agency period that many teams have looked forward to for a handful of years. Adding Russell would give them the best point guard they’ve had in a long time at an age where his prime is still ahead of him. His 6’5″ frame and scoring ability would allow him to play at the two next to Aaron Holiday, as well.
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A common debate many Pacers fans have isn’t if the All-Star is worth pursuing in free agency, but if he’s worth a max contract valued at over $27 million. I’d argue a small-market team like the Pacers are at a disadvantage when attracting free agents when more desirable cities are also bidding for their services.
As Pritchard pointed out in his interview, Indianapolis isn’t the most exciting or beautiful city, but it can offer a better chance at contending for a finals appearance than Orlando, Minnesota or other potential suitors.
If Brooklyn chooses not to waive Russell’s $21 million cap hold, it’s unlikely they would decline to match a contract offer from another team in that same range. Therefore, a max contract would probably be the only way to separate the pair. If Brooklyn decides to hunt big for more than one All-NBA caliber free agent, Russell will be an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with whichever team he pleases.
Without a large market to build a brand, a generous amount of nightclubs, or a sunny beach to enjoy, the Pacers would need to dig into their wallets in order to entice the free agent to choose Indianapolis.
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After Kevin Durant sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it will be interesting to see how the free agency market shakes up. In a matter of days, even the prospect of getting the point guard away from the Nets could dramatically increase or decrease. Needless to say, the Pacers need to skip the thrift store and shop for designer names this summer, and D’Angelo Russell should be near the top of the list.