The Golden State Warriors traded for D’Angelo Russell and, as the season commences and continues, don’t expect Russell trade rumors to go away.
After trading for D’Angelo Russell just a few weeks ago, the Golden State Warriors have had numerous reports leaked that they plan to trade Russell prior to the 2020 trade deadline. Even Russell has acknowledged the business behind basketball.
Remember: the Dubs cannot trade him for six months after the initial trade.
That said, for that six-month period, trade rumors will continue to heat up. Imagine the season starting off and the Dubs lose four of five with Russell not playing well to start. Then fans would be crucifying the Dubs already.
For the Golden State Warriors and their fanbase, this entire process will be about patience: patience both to see if this fit works and to gauge which trade puts them back atop the Western Conference.
Although the rumors will inevitably heat up, there’s always the option that they keep the 23-year-old All-Star. After all, in just a couple years, he could be given the keys to this league-altering dynasty.
Russell has shown improvement throughout each of his first four seasons. On top of that improvement, Russell has shown maturity throughout the entire of being traded, something surely not easy for a young player to go through.
However, as he’s noted, it is a business.
The Warriors will do what it takes to win and trading Russell could be the smart play if the right offer comes to the table. What is the right offer though?
The Warriors need a defensive-minded wing like Robert Covington, but Covington, by himself, wouldn’t be worth trading away a young All-Star. There probably won’t be a player of Russell’s caliber available for Golden State so they’ll likely aim for fit instead of pure skill.
Nonetheless, expect these rumors not to go away any time soon.