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Could D’Angelo Russell fit in at PG with the Toronto Raptors?

ByNolan Fluke|
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

With the NBA playoffs getting closer to its end and the offseason moving closer, trade ideas are beginning to heat up around the league. Toronto Raptors fans are looking to find ways to strengthen their rosters and maximize expiring assets. One of those ideas is swapping out the expensive Fred VanVleet and replacing him with D’Angelo Russell.

Moving into next season, the Los Angeles Lakers are not looking to waste a season for LeBron James and need to build a contender. One way to do so would be trading for Toronto’s starting point guard in VanVleet.

Any sort of sign-and-trade deal, or the two players mutually agreeing to sign elsewhere, would get the Lakers an All-Star guard who can play heavy minutes, provide spacing and perimeter defense, and has playoff experience.

Whether or not the front office would consider this as a possibility, it makes one think about Russell and his fit for the Toronto Raptors. The eight-year veteran and former All-Star has lots to bring to the table, but would it help within our roster?

Could D’Angelo Russell Help the Toronto Raptors?

Spacing: The Raptors were 21st in 3-point attempts and 28th in 3-point percentage last season. Russell has made his name being a shooter, and last season he hit 40% from deep three-point attempts per game. His sharp outside shooting could replace VanVleet’s and be a valuable part of bringing the Raptors’ offense back to life.

Playmaking: Russell is an apt playmaker. Averaging 6.2 assists per game last season, Russell can run the offense and create opportunities for others. His offensive pressure at multiple levels will keep defenses guessing and open up scoring chances for others, something the Raptors are in dire need of.

Defense: Russell is no VanVleet when it comes to defense. VanVleet is one of the best defending guards in the NBA, and replacing him will be next to impossible for D-Lo. Russell averages over one steal per game in his career, but fans know there is more than this to defense.

Surrounded by some of the best defenders in the NBA, Russell will be most likely be hidden and supported on defense.

Russell could be a good addition to the Toronto starting lineup. His offensive game will pressure defenses and space out the floor a bit more.

In turn, this will open up the inside for Siakam and Barnes to operate in the paint where they shine. His defense may not bring VanVleet-level tenacity, but Russell could be that multi-level scorer the Raptors need.

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