The Golden State Warriors appear to be warming up to the idea of trading D’Angelo Russell.
Russell has been the lone bright spot in what is already a lost season for the Warriors, and reports last month indicated Golden State had been telling interested teams they would need to be blown away to trade Russell. However, Marc Stein of the New York Times is now reporting that the Warriors are listening to offers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are aggressively pursuing Russell.
Many thought the Warriors would wait until draft time to seriously ponder moving D'Angelo Russell, but sources say they are listening to pitches — with no secret Minnesota wants D-Lo badly. Golden State is widely expected to trade Alec Burks and/or Glenn Robinson III this week
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2020
Russell is averaging 23.8 points and 6.3 assists per game this season. With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson injured and Kevin Durant having moved on to the Brooklyn Nets, Russell has been Golden State’s best player. The Warriors are believed to want a high draft pick in return for Russell, which could make a deal with the rebuilding Timberwolves difficult.
However, Minnesota is not the only team kicking the tires on Russell. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the New York Knicks have also discussed packages with the T-Wolves. Charania was also told by a source that the Timberwolves have informed the Warriors they will not part with their unprotected 2020 first-round pick.
Russell is a ball-dominant player, so it’s fair to wonder if he and Curry will compliment each other well. The Warriors could wait until the summer to see if better offers come in four Russell, or they could try to use the point guard to lure one of his superstar buddies to Golden State.
