D’Angelo Russell is a restricted free agent this season. The Nets have yet to offer Russell an extension, which means that Russell will be able to sign an offer sheet with any team and then the Nets will have a chance to match that offer this offseason. Here are 3 reasons why the Nets should match any offer for Russell.

1. He’s a future All Star

D’Angelo Russell will be an all star in the next two years. Russell is making his case for the team this year, as he is averaging a career high 18.1 points and 6.3 assists. Russell is the 15th ranked player in the Eastern conference in terms of average points per game. A top 15 scoring effort mixed with Russell’s popularity might be just enough to get Russell his first all star bid this season. If Russell does. It make it this year, he will definitely make it next year. Russell has improved every year he has been in the NBA, and his recent play has shown that he continues to improve game in and game out.

2. He’s only 22 years old

D’Angelo Russell is only 22 years old. Yes, he will be 23 by the time free agency comes but that is still very young in the NBA. Russell was just 19 years old when he was drafted which is why many people think he is much older than he is. Russell has matured in every year he has been in the NBA since his infamous Nick Young incident with the Lakers. D’Angelo is becoming a leader on the Nets and the focal point of their offense. At 22, Russell is learning to protect the ball more and not make as many turnovers (averaging just 3 turnovers per game). Lastly, Russell is getting his teammates involved more as he is averaging a career high 6.3 assists per game. Russell is facilitating the ball beautifully this year, and showing that he has next level court vision.

3. The Nets need him

The Brooklyn Nets need D’Angelo Russell. The Nets function with 4 guards on their roster, and 2 on the court at all times. If the Nets lose Russell they will have to sign another point guard, and I believe that Russell is better than most of the free agent guards. Yes Kyrie Irving is a free agent, but he has expressed his desire to remain with the Celtics. Kemba Walker is also a free agent, but he is 6 years older than Russell. Walker is also more of an iso and one man team, while Russell is a team player. The rest of the field (Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Terry Rozier, Ricky Rubio, Isaiah Thomas) I believe that Russell is better than. Dragic and Bledsoe are both good guards, but Russell is much younger and more efficient. Rozier is a restricted free agent so the Celtics will most likely match his offer. Russell is a much better scorer than Ricky Rubio, and Isaiah Thomas is a question mark due to injuries. All in all, D’Angelo is better than the point guards who will be available on the open market, and the Nets need him for future success.