With D’Angelo Russell being in his final year of his massive contract and the Timberwolves having interest in Mike Conley, per my podcast episode, it shouldn’t come as a shock that the ‘Wolves are considering to move on from him.
Despite shooting 46% from the field (career-high) and scoring 17.1 points per game, Minnesota could be looking to move on from him and get some pieces in return.
They want to trade him and not let him walk in free agency this summer; Russell is an unrestricted free agent with full power to go anywhere he chooses, team can’t retain him by matching an offer. Plus, if he leaves as an unrestricted free agent then the team won’t be able to replace Russell. That’s pretty much dead space for the Timberwolves and something all general managers and front offices don’t want to have happening with an expensive expiring contract player.
It also comes to no surprise that the Timberwolves are exploring all their options as last trade deadline they were looking to see if they can test his marketability and try to trade him. This time, they will try to see if they can come up with better results – whether that is keeping him or trading him is up to the organization.
The number one player being targeted by Minnesota is Mike Conley, who is playing exponentially better than Russell. Only con is the age difference, however, for the Timberwolves needs (along with some of the younger guards needs), the veteran point guard would be the better choice and could further this team for the playoffs.
The last time D’Angelo Russell was traded was back in 2019 from the Golden State Warriors to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That was the trade where fans saw Andrew Wiggins go to the Warriors and Russell go to the Timberwolves.
CourtSideHeat will keep you all updated and informed on what happens to D’Angelo Russell till the deadline arrives.
