Washington Wizards Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, 2022 First-Round Pick (MIN)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
D’Angelo Russell was a man of two seasons in 2021-22. He was a vital piece of the success that resulted in a playoff berth for the Timberwolves. Once they got to the postseason, his efficiency slipped dramatically.
Now, rumors suggest that they might look to move on from the talented floor general. It makes sense. A backcourt of Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley may be better equipped to support the dynamic duo of Towns and Edwards anyway.
Meanwhile, the Wolves have generally favored defense at the power forward position over floor-spacing. That’s because they’ve got an elite floor-spacer who struggles in point prevention at the 5 in Towns. It still feels like they’d be better off with someone who provides a little bit of both.
That would be Kyle Kuzma. With his addition, the Wolves would feature five-out spacing. They could shift Jarred Vanderbilt to the second unit. He could play the 4 and 5 equally depending on matchups and situations. The addition of Caldwell-Pope also adds to the Wolves’ immediate bottom line.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Perfect Trade Ideas Involving Minnesota Timberwolves Star D’Angelo Russell
As for the Wizards, they’re adding the best point guard to play alongside Bradley Beal since John Wall. They’re getting a first-round pick on top of it. They’re built to withstand the loss of Kuzma, with Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija waiting in the wings. Both teams improve following this trade.
