On May 26, Beijing time, according to Jake Fischer, Russell sought a four-year contract extension of more than $100 million before being traded to the Lakers. Hachimura is currently seeking a four-year, $60 million contract, while Schroder should have a hard time staying with the Lakers.
Russell once asked for more than 100 million in 4 years
"Sources have revealed that he was seeking a new contract for more than $100 million when he was with the Timberwolves," Fischer said, "and after an unstable playoff, it's hard to imagine how many people would be willing to bid for Russell at this price." ”
Russell joined the Lakers in February and helped them reach the playoffs. However, when the Lakers reached the Western Conference finals somewhat unexpectedly, Russell watched his value be lost.
It can only be said that in the 4 games in which the Nuggets swept the Lakers, Russell's performance was too crotch-pulling. In the first three games, Russell did not perform well, and in the G4 of the life and death battle, coach Hamm directly demoted Russell to the bench and played less than 15 minutes. In four Western Conference finals, Russell averaged 6.3 points per game, shooting 10-of-31 from the field for a low 32.3 percent percentage and even worse from three-point range, only 2 of 15 from the field, shooting 13.3 percent.
Data like this, which generally does not translate into huge contracts, although based on a sample of 4 games, does not fairly represent Russell's value. Russell was pleased with his overall performance this season at the press conference and wanted to stay with the Lakers, but he may not really get the contract he wanted.
If Russell leaves the Lakers, it will mean that his second cooperation with the Lakers will also be over. So far, Russell has played for the Lakers, Nets, Warriors and Timberwolves. In the 2022-23 regular season, Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, and 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in the playoffs.
Hachimura seeks a four-year, $60 million contract
In Hachimura's previous contract extension talks with the Wizards, Washington offered him a $12 million per season contract, eventually raising the price to the $13-$14 million per year range, according to sources.
But Hachimura's team prefers a contract closer to four years, $60 million, and after a strong playoff performance, the average annual salary of $15 million seems to be the bottom line for Hachimura.
This season is the final year of Hachimura's contract and he will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. Reeves is also expected to get an offer for $20 million in annual salary, and the Rockets are interested in him, with a potential offer capped at $100 million over four years.
It's hard for the Lakers to keep Schroder
The Lakers may struggle to keep Schroder, and after earning well below his market value for two consecutive seasons, Schroder may look elsewhere for better returns.
If the Lakers can convince Schroder to accept a $4.5 million two-year exception, nearly double his veteran base salary this season, the Lakers could offer him a four-year, $58 million contract before the start of the 2024-25 season.
Separately, sources revealed that there are plenty of teams interested in Malik Beasley ahead of the trade deadline. The Hawks had discussed with the Jazz a trade framework for Beasley and Vanderbilt for John Collins, and the Knicks wanted to use Fournier as a bargaining chip to get Beasley and Vanderbilt, and the Blazers showed interest in Beasley. Beasley's salary next season is $16.5 million, which is a team option.