Fantasy Fallout: Lakers reportedly send D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn

Mere hours after reports surfaced that the Grizzlies were interested in acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets, the veteran forward is on the move…elsewhere. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Nets have sent Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031).

This trade would be the second time in Russell’s career that the Lakers have sent him to Brooklyn, so there’s undoubtedly some familiarity there. However, how much will Russell play with Brooklyn seemingly all-in on a rebuild? As for the Lakers, this trade may only have a minimal impact on fantasy values. Let’s take a deeper look at this trade.

Lakers receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton

Finney-Smith has been a popular name in the trade rumor mill because he has the skill set to help many teams that hope to be a factor in the postseason. He is a quality 3-and-D player who can defend multiple positions and convert catch-and-shoot opportunities at a solid clip. He’s shooting 43.3% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, averaging 5.2 attempts per game with the Nets this season. Playing alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, Finney-Smith won’t lack those opportunities in JJ Redick’s offensive system. However, while this move gives DFS a better chance to compete, it doesn’t do much for his fantasy value. The role won’t be much different, so he should continue to provide late-round value in standard leagues.

As for Milton, while he appeared in 27 games for the Nets this season, he didn’t begin to play rotation minutes consistently until late November. In his final 15 appearances for the team, he averaged 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 3-pointers in 24.6 minutes. Milton started Friday’s loss to the Spurs and put up 16 points and 12 assists, as the Nets were without Ben Simmons. The move to Los Angeles means he misses out on the occasional fantasy boost that would have occurred due to a combination of Simmons’ availability and the Nets’ decision to trade Dennis Schroder to the Warriors. However, there may be an opportunity in the short term, depending on how much time Gabe Vincent misses after suffering a strained oblique muscle during Saturday’s win over the Kings.

This trade may not significantly affect the remaining Lakers’ fantasy value. Dalton Knecht may suffer with Finney-Smith in the fold, but he was essentially a deep-league option except for his nine-game run in November. James, Davis, and Reaves will be fine fantasy-wise, and the same can be said for Rui Hachimura, who may be under-rostered currently (48%, Yahoo).

Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks

Having already traded Dennis Schroder, Sunday’s reported transaction is the latest sign that the Nets are prioritizing improving their draft lottery odds between now and the February trade deadline. Therefore, how does Russell fit into the team in the short term? Between Schroder’s departure and Simmons still not playing both games of back-to-backs, there’s a clear need for a playmaker on Jordi Fernandez’s roster. Reece Beekman played 14 minutes as Milton’s backup on Friday and didn’t provide much value. If Russell is utilized, his fantasy value could skyrocket after he struggled to move to the Lakers’ bench. For this reason, he’s worth holding onto if you have him on your roster, but be ready to pivot if the Nets decide not to play him.

Brooklyn’s rebuild could be what allows Lewis to prove himself as a pro after failing to crack the Lakers’ rotation. However, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth adding to any fantasy league roster. And the Nets have their young forwards who will be of higher priority moving forward. Jalen Wilson played 39 minutes on Friday, and he’s one player who will have more opportunities with Finney-Smith moving on. However, he isn’t the biggest fantasy “winner” among the Nets still on the roster, as Cameron Johnson’s availability impacts Wilson more. That would be Noah Clowney.

A first-round pick in the 2023 draft, Clowney started all three games Finney-Smith recently missed due to injury. In those contests, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 4.0 3-pointers in 29.6 minutes, shooting 51.5% from the field and 100% at the foul line. While it would be nice to get more defensive production out of Clowney, a move into the starting lineup could be the catalyst he needs at this stage in his NBA career. Clowney is rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues, and that number should climb despite the Nets playing three games during Week 10 (none before Wednesday).