6 realistic D’Angelo Russell trades the Golden State Warriors should keep on their radar

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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Dealing for the best fit

Immediately after Russell’s sign-and-trade to Golden State was approved, rumors about Russell to Wolves started popping up. It was mainly due to the fact that the Wolves were one of the frontrunners to sign the 23-year-old if he hit the open market.

They have young talents like Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Add a young point guard in there and you have the future of Timberwolves basketball. That could still be a reality if they’d consider giving up all of this.

It’s a load, especially given how well Okogie performed at times last season. Also, Covington, who they secured in a deal for Jimmy Butler, is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. Add in a veteran guard and it’s easy to see why Minnesota may not consider this deal.

However, from Golden State’s perspective, you relinquish the future.

Russell, although three years older than Okogie, is light years ahead of him offensively. For the sake of a fit on this Warriors team, both Covington and Okogie would have ideal roles already carved out for them.

Even now, the Warriors have no good backup for Steph Curry outside of Russell who is expected to start at the two. That backup could be Jeff Teague. All-in-all, the Warriors would be better this year but worse in three years if they made this deal.