It seems extremely unlikely the Golden State Warriors trade D’Angelo Russell at this point, and that’s exactly how the trade deadline will likely play out.
Again, D’Angelo Russell is having a career year. He’s exploded in his first season with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 24.0 points per game. Numbers-wise, this has been the best season of his career.
Even with that being the case, rumors have been surrounding Russell, who is under contract for the next three seasons. It’s really because his fit with the team just isn’t quintessential on the surface level.
The Warriors already have a superstar scoring guard that isn’t a great defender. Then, they have a shooting guard that makes up for his every weakness. Adding another isolation-heavy player in the backcourt isn’t necessarily ideal.
But, what we could potentially figure out later this season is how the fit truly works. The three could become a three-headed monster that’s among the best trios in the NBA. Or, they could struggle mightily defensively.
Either way, until the Warriors, for starters, know how Russell fits and then acknowledge that trading him would devastate their future, there’s no point in even looking to shop the 23-year-old.
For now, the only true market for Russell comes directly from the team that was intrigued by him this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A one-time All-Star in his fifth season int eh league, Russell would only be dealt in an absolutely blockbuster deal. Until the Wolves come calling with Karl-Anthony Towns at the crux of a trade, expect there to be little credible rumors when it comes to Russell and his stint with the Warriors.
Russell is also notching 6.3 assists per game and a career-high 3.7 threes per game. The latter of those two numbers is what makes the trio of Russell, Thompson, and Curry so intriguing to fans. If they’re all heating up, there would be no stopping them.
They need to find their identity at full strength; then the Warriors may consider dealing Russell if things turn south.