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Golden State Warriors want to keep D’Angelo Russell longterm

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Biofreeze Performance Center in San Francisco, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent /NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Biofreeze Performance Center in San Francisco, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It seems the Golden State Warriors plan to keep D’Angelo Russell for the longterm.

Since he joined the Golden State Warriors, D’Angelo Russell has been in trade talks. Though mostly rumored to be on the block by eager fans, there is no doubt the Warriors front office has considered his potential value on the market.

A 23-year old All-Star with elite playmaking and scoring abilities is an easy sell for most NBA teams. Last season, Russell averaged career-highs in points and assists as he led the Brooklyn Nets to the NBA Playoffs.

In the wake of losing Kevin Durant, many Warriors fans were hoping the Dubs could flip D-Lo for another star who is more capable of helping the Dubs win in the present. Russell is an enticing prospect and is already a talented player, but the Warriors may need a more solidified star to reach the NBA Finals this season.

As a result, D-Lo’s immense trade value and questionable fit with the team put him in plenty of rumors.

However, it seems the Warriors have no plans of trading Russell. As Ethan Strauss of The Athletic said, ” The front office’s first hope is that Russell flourishes alongside (Stephen) Curry and becomes a foundational piece.”

The Warriors did not acquire D-Lo in an attempt to repackage him for another star. No, D-Lo is their star. Golden State plans to develop Russell alongside a two-time MVP in Stephen Curry. At some point, the ultimate goal will be for Curry to pass the torch to D-Lo.

One day, we may see D-Lo lead the charge on his own. For now, the Warriors are more concerned with giving him a chance to prove himself. This season is a massive opportunity for Russell to take the next step in his game.

Of course, this doesn’t mean a future trade is officially ruled out. In the event that Russell fails to fit with the team, it’s quite possible he could end up back on the shipping block. Until then, Russell is going to be a longterm member of the Warriors.

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