Golden State Warriors: pros and cons of the D'Angelo Russell trade

Golden State Warriors: Pros and cons of the D’Angelo Russell Trade

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 11: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball during warm up, prior to an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pro: Something, rather than nothing

Throughout league history, franchises who lose their marquee player for nothing tend to really struggle. Just ask fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers how rough it was losing LeBron James on two different occasions.

There was a very real possibility that Durant would walk in free agency for nothing, but gaining Russell in the deal negates that concern.

Durant served both as a scorer and a playmaker for Golden State, and it would have been very difficult for the Warriors to find appropriate replacements for these departments.

Russell will not be expected to fully fill the shoes of KD’s mammoth production on the offensive end, but he will definitely help with that issue.

Russell’s ability to make plays can also take the pressure off of Steph Curry, which will be invaluable in managing his workload in what will be a grueling regular season for the two-time MVP.

The roster still needs plenty of work, but a player of Russell’s caliber will serve as a welcome addition of talent that was not really feasible before free agency.

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