According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Minnesota Timberwolves standout D’Angelo Russell is “being marketed around” the NBA. Minnesota is “believed” to be interested in seeing Russell’s worth on the trade market this summer, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
Russell’s connection with Karl-Anthony Towns undoubtedly influenced the Timberwolves’ midseason acquisition of Towns in 2020. Towns’ bond with the franchise could be harmed if Russell is traded.
The Wolves don’t appear to be that bothered.
“Numerous rival teams expect the Wolves to try to trade Russell this offseason irrespective of Russell’s close relationship with Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns,” NBA insider.
Minnesota may have reached its peak with Russell in a greater role after winning 46 games and making it to the NBA playoffs, where it was eliminated in six games by the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 26-year-old has yet to make the kind of impact that his All-Star selection with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018-19 suggested. He has averaging 18.8 points and 6.6 assists per game since joining the Timberwolves, while shooting 35.6 percent from outside the arc.
No Value for Money
Russell is plainly miscast as the second star behind Towns, and his four-year, $117.3 million deal hasn’t reflected his value on the floor.
Russell is unlikely to be traded for an All-Star-caliber player, but he could be the finest trade asset available to the Wolves. Anthony Edwards should be regarded untouchable, and Towns isn’t going away.
By trading Russell now, Minnesota avoids the problem of figuring out how much to pay him when he becomes a free agent in 2023.
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