Russell could help shore up depth at the position, but the problem is that the Suns already went out and signed Duop Reath<\/a> as a Band-Aid solution, with Mark Williams now sidelined due to a torn labrum that required surgery. It\u2019s also worth wondering what the Ohio State product can provide NBA teams at this stage of his career. He played just 26 games (three starts) for Dallas last season, averaging a career-low 10.2 points per game while converting just 40.5 percent of his field goals and a very lackluster 29.5 percent of his 3-point tries.<\/p>\n The 30-year-old is now very far removed from his one and only All-Star campaign with the Brooklyn Nets back in 2018-19. As a 22-year-old that season, Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 43.4 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from long range that season.<\/p>\n It\u2019s unrealistic to believe Russell can turn back the clock to those types of numbers, but his pre-existing relationship with Booker could certainly be a \u201cpro\u201d in the change of scenery column to rejuvenate Russell\u2019s career.<\/p>\n Booker’s friendship could be the ultimate factor here<\/p>\n The longstanding friendship among Booker, Russell, and New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns has led to fan speculation over the years about that trio teaming up at some point. While Russell\u2019s career hasn\u2019t had quite the same positive trajectory as the other two, it stands to reason that Phoenix could consider bringing him in (certainly if Book advocates for him).<\/p>\n If nothing else, the Suns don’t have much to lose by taking a flyer on Booker’s buddy. There are those who say the offseason trade to acquire Miles Bridges takes Phoenix from a Play-In team to a Play-In team<\/a>, so bringing in Russell, even on a non-guaranteed deal, can’t hurt.<\/p>\n It’s unlikely, but if Book wants to play with D-Lo and believes he can turn back the clock, it’s a low-risk move that should at least be considered.<\/p>\n
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