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Golden State Warriors: 6 future D’Angelo Russell trades to consider

By Tony Pesta

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 18: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a 3-pointer in the closing minutes of the game against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on January 18, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Nets defeated the Magic 117 to 115. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 18: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a 3-pointer in the closing minutes of the game against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on January 18, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Nets defeated the Magic 117 to 115. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. San Antonio Spurs

On paper, this trade looks like a disaster. DeMar DeRozan displays a skill-set that appears worthless to the Golden State Warriors. A mid-range heavy player that thrives off of isolation plays is the exact opposite of what people envision working with the Warriors.

However, there is reason to believe DeRozan would be effective with Golden State. For starters, the Warriors ranked second in the league for mid-range field goals, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs.

Mid-range field goals made per game:

  • San Antonio Spurs – 10.8 (1st)
  • Golden State Warriors – 9.2 (2nd)
  • Kevin Durant – 3.3 (1st)
  • DeMar DeRozan – 2.9 (3rd)

Furthermore, Kevin Durant led the NBA in mid-range points per game. Comparing this to DeRozan who ranked third and we can see how his game would translate well to the Warriors current style.

Of course, DeRozan is far from the playmaker or 3-point shooter that D’Angelo Russell is, but he might fit the team better. Once Klay Thompson returns, having a player that can be plugged in at the forward position would be much more helpful than attempting to run two undersized guards and Thompson at the forward.

The Warriors also snatch Bryn Forbes in this deal. Once again, a backup guard is something the Dubs will find very helpful moving forward

Lastly, I think everyone likes the idea of watching Russell develop his game under Gregg Popovich. Playing alongside the Rising Star, Dejounte Murray, D-Lo can elevate himself to his highest potential with San Antonio.

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