In simple terms, there are two types of NBA players: on-ball players, and off-ball players. A given team could need more or less of one or the other depending on how their roster is constructed. If you’ve got an elite playmaker, you may be inclined to stack the rest of your roster with off-ball players.
On the other hand, it’s a delicate balance to find. Even the best playmaker in the NBA needs a secondary playmaker. Otherwise, they’ll be too burdened. NBA players get fatigued. No player can carry a team’s offense for 48 minutes. Even LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers needs to rest.
With that in mind, the Lakers acquired D’Angelo Russell. He’s a talented on-ball playmaker who’s dynamic in the pick-and-roll. Unfortunately, Russell can struggle as an off-ball player. Could the Lakers send him to the Miami Heat for some off-ball assistance?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Miami Heat Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Ironically, the Lakers acquired Russell to improve their off-ball abilities in the first place. Russell doesn’t provide much off of the ball. He’s a passable shooter, but he’s better at shooting off the dribble than off of the catch. Still, he provides more off-ball value than the player he was acquired to replace.
Russell Westbrook provides almost none. Defenses routinely sag off of Westbrook and dare him to shoot. Sure, he’s an athletic cutter. Is that enough to compensate for his complete lack of a three-ball? Apparently, the Lakers didn’t think so. They attached draft capital to move on from Westbrook and flip him for Russell.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
So, here we are. It’s fair to say that Russell has been an inconsistent shooter throughout the year. If he’s having a strong season, the Lakers could be happy to hang onto him. If he isn’t, could they send him to the Heat?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It seems as if the Lakers are already cognizant of this potential problem. They acquired Gabe Vincent this summer. He’s a point guard who thrives without the ball. Did they acquire him to replace Russell?
Not necessarily. The Lakers could deploy Russell as a sixth man. They could sub him out early in order to stagger his minutes with James’. On the other hand, they could also just trade him. Here, they’re getting a lot of off-ball value in return for him. Robinson is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
At the same time, adding swap rights to their 2029 first is extremely valuable as well. If the Lakers look like they need Russell’s playmaking, this deal may not be worth their time. On the other hand, if James and Vincent look like the better pairing, it’s something they’d have to consider. Should the Heat consider this deal?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Take everything we’ve just said. Now, throw it out of the window. With a creative enough coach, all sorts of arrangements can work in the NBA. Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league.
Plenty of folks felt that Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo wouldn’t have the combined off-ball value to work as a duo. Last year, they certainly worked. The Heat took a trip to the NBA Finals. The fact that they did so with subpar depth at the point guard position was all the more impressive.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
So, we’ve got them acquiring a point guard. Spoelstra will have a field day with all of the playmaking he’ll have on his roster following this deal. Acquiring Russell would give the Heat a better chance of making a repeat run to the Finals next season – as long as they’ve got enough off-ball players, that is.
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