Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Washington Wizards Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Jaden McDaniels

This is probably the most logical iteration of a D’Angelo Russell deal between the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves could absolutely use Kuzma. In 2021-22, they allotted most of their minutes at the 4 spot to Jarred Vanderbilt. He performed admirably, but his inability to shoot the 3 limits his production. With this deal, the Wizards add a solid defender who also spaces the floor to start at the position in Kuzma.

That doesn’t necessitate giving up on Vanderbilt. The 23-year-old could find ample time off the bench as a combo big who plays either the 4 or the 5 depending on matchups. Meanwhile, Caldwell-Pope is an archetypical 3-and-D wing who’ll be a notable upgrade to this Timberwolves rotation.

Meanwhile, the Wizards get their floor general. They’re also getting an intriguing 21-year-old in Jaden McDaniels. A two-for-one probably wouldn’t work for this squad. As much as they’d like to add Russell, they may be hesitant to do so at the expense of two valuable rotation players.

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On the other hand, there may be a route to them landing Russell without even parting with Kuzma.