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Golden State Warriors: Gauging D’Angelo Russell’s trade value

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 14, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 14, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have had a rough start to the season, and while it’s certainly early, there’s always room to talk about trades.

Who doesn’t love trade talk? While last year it annoyed the Golden State Warriors’ diehard fans, this season, it may be a bit more welcome as the Warriors could seemingly have the leverage against teams.

They’ll have a few trade chips, but in all reality, the only one that will gain any type of consideration from the Warriors is D’Angelo Russell.

They won’t trade phenom rookie Eric Paschall nor will they venture into any trades dealing with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green or Stephen Curry. However, while it’s certainly been a small sample size, it’s clear Russell’s addition may have not been the perfect match for Dub Nation.

Yes, I know it’s far too early to say that for certain.

That said, if the Warriors did want to trade the 23-year-old All-Star, they may be getting more than they thought. Here’s what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on any potential package for the Warriors’ star guard.

"If the Warriors decide to investigate the market, some league executives believe it’s not unreasonable to think the Warriors could get another first-round pick plus a quality role player for Russell, especially if they’re able to construct a deal where they take back salary."

For now, it seems virtually impossible for them to secure a deal where they take back salary. However, the crux of this statement is that they could get a first-round pick plus a role player. That’s a solid return and could produce a better-fitting starting five.

Think of Curry-Thompson-Robert Covington-Green-Paschall being the starting five with several veteran role players, cap space to make trades and a lottery pick all also on your side. Overall, that’s just a more complete unit than the one the Dubs currently boast.

That’s the reality they could have if they deal Russell, who signed a four-year max-value contract this offseason.

It’s obviously not ideal for Russell to see a fourth team in five years, but there will be a team that’ll pay top-dollar for the Warriors star guard, and the Dubs, who have management that are always on the look for business-promoting decisions, will be listening.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

If they can get what Windhorst thinks they can, Russell may not be a Warrior past the 2020 deadline.

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