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Since his arrival with the Golden State Warriors, point guard D’Angelo Russell’s future with the team has been up in the air. There was some speculation he would be traded […]
Since his arrival with the Golden State Warriors, point guard D’Angelo Russell’s future with the team has been up in the air. There was some speculation he would be traded before ever suiting up for the Warriors. While he’s stayed on the roster so far, the young point guard could be on the move by Thursday’s trade deadline.
The biggest reason Golden State is looking to move on from Russell is likely his incompatibility with their long-term plans. Russell is capable of playing at an All-Star level, but with a healthy lineup that already consists of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, there’s no natural spot for Russell.
Teams from around the league have likely inquired about Russell’s availability, but ahead of the trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as an aggressive suitor. Minnesota has kept tabs on Russell since his arrival in Golden State.
As NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowksi reports, Minnesota and Golden State will likely need an additional team or two to facilitate the deal.
Golden State’s goals in the trade would be unloading Russell’s contract while acquiring assets for the near-future.
Minnesota, who is only a slot ahead of the Warriors at the 14th in the Western Conference, would be looking to shape up their core and aim for contention sooner rather than later. A pairing of a healthy Karl Anthony-Towns and Russell could be a dynamic duo to build around in the immediate future.
It would also mean giving up on Andrew Wiggins, who was originally acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kevin Love. Wiggins has shown flashes of brilliance, and is an above-average starter, but still never panned out to match full expectations. Along with draft picks and/or young players, Wiggins would head to Golden State in a potential trade scenario.
The inclusion of the Atlanta Hawks and/or Houston Rockets could help facilitate the trade for cap reasons, extra draft picks, and could potentially see Robert Covington or Clint Capela on the move.
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