Golden State Warriors: 5 hypothetical trades involving D’Angelo Russell

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Cavaliers

While the Cleveland Cavaliers may have a few guards younger than Russell, they could trade for him and play him more off ball, a place Russell thrives. The Cavaliers would have to give up Love who is on a max contract and Cedi Osman.

The Cavaliers love Osman, so securing the Turkish forward may not be easy. However, there’s no real point for the Warriors to deal for solely Love. Yes, they could use the frontcourt depth but they need help continuing their youth movement more than adding a frontcourt presence.

Also, it’s a risk taking on Love. While he did, at one time, average over 26 points per game, Love played in just 22 games last season. Staying on the court is a problem for Love, and it’s a risk for any team to trade high-value assets for him.

That’s why even if Love does get injured, the Warriors have an insurance policy on the trade in Osman. That said, Osman isn’t the next LeBron. He probably won’t ever be a 20 points per game scoring threat, so adding him into the deal shouldn’t be a deal breaker for either side.