D’Angelo Russell ‘definitely’ wants to return to Nets

After a breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets, D’Angelo Russell is set to hit restricted free agency. That doesn’t mean he’s looking for a change of scenery, however.

Russell said Wednesday that he hopes to stay with the franchise, though he understands the business side of things.

“I definitely want to be here. But I also know it’s a business, too,” Russell said, via Ian Begley of ESPN. “So I’m not going to play that role like I don’t know what could possibly happen,” Russell said Wednesday after the team conducted its exit interviews. “Say somebody comes here that I have to be a part of (a transaction to acquire them), I know that could be a possibility. So I just want to stay in this moment and not speak too soon about anything.”

Russell’s 21.1 points and seven assists per game this season are both easily career highs. It’s safe to say the Nets are big fans of his, and in all likelihood, he’ll be sticking around for another season. The feeling appears to be mutual.