Golden State Warriors: D’Angelo Russell’s value won’t shift if fit isn’t there

D’Angelo Russell’s value has already been cemented league-wide, and his with the Golden State Warriors success or lack thereof shouldn’t alter said value.

The Golden State Warriors know who he is. The NBA knows who he is. That being said, if D’Angelo Russell doesn’t fit seamlessly in with the Dubs dynamic, team-first offense, don’t be surprised if they move him.

Trading him isn’t in their plans now, but it’s difficult to deny both the interest that Russell could draw from other teams and the need for a lengthy, defensive-minded small forward. Needless to say, the 2019-2020 season will be an intriguing one for Golden State.

The Warriors did what they could to salvage anything following Durant’s departure. That allowed Russell’s addition, yet it always forced the Warriors to deal away long-time forward and beloved champion, Andre Iguodala.

Now on a team with limited depth, Russell’s max contract hurt the Warriors flexibility. They’re now going to be depending on him to score efficient and in volume, like Kevin Durant did the last few seasons.

However, no one is expecting Russell to be the next Durant. They know his limits, and it’ll be the offense that must evolve around him. Stephen Curry, like he did with Durant’s welcome addition, must alter his game as well.

Overall, if Russell comes in and doesn’t perform well, the 2018-2019 season, one in which the 23-year-old earned his first All-Star appearance will ring in the minds of opposing teams all season. He’ll still hold that young superstar value if his time in Golden State doesn’t go as planned.

Russell averaged over 21 points per game last season. A career-high for the former Buckeye, there’s no telling Russell’s ceiling. That said, many are still skeptical about his impact on a championship-level team though.

As they should be, Russell was assisted on just 15.5% of his two-point field goals and a career-low 53% of his three-point field goals. He does things on his own, and for the Nets, that worked. Did the Nets get out of the first round though?

Seeing Russell’s development into a highly skilled and functioning offense will be huge, but given how well he’s already displayed his talent, the young gun won’t lose much trade value if his time in Golden State isn’t successful.