The Minnesota Timberwolves made a bit of a Cinderella run through the 2022 NBA postseason; one that was equally entertaining as it was surprising. Through grit and high energy, the young T-Wolves were able to push the second-seed Memphis Grizzlies to six games, making for one of the most competitive, albeit sloppiest, matchups in the first round.
Now, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Sachin Gupta will be tasked with finding a way to improve the roster further and maximize the team’s title chances for next season. Of course, Minnesota could just count on continued internal development from their young pieces.
After all, most of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ main contributors are still growing. With enough improvement from Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaden McDaniels, there’s no reason that Minnesota couldn’t take a massive leap forward even without significant roster moves.
Yet, in today’s world of instant gratification coupled with the NBA’s penchant for player movement, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wolves make a splash in the trade market this summer or before next season’s trade deadline. If Minnesota does mean to make an impactful trade, the likely man to be shown the door would have to be D’Angelo Russell.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Execs View D’Angelo Russell As Potential Knicks Trade Option
Russell had a fantastic regular season acting as Minny’s floor general, clutch shot-maker, and defensive captain all at once. He failed to carry that success into the playoffs, however, and saw an ugly nosedive in his production. Against the Grizzlies, he averaged just 12 points and 6.7 assists on a putrid 33 percent shooting.
His poor performance in the postseason isn’t the sole reason he’d be the Wolves most likely trade fodder, though. He also happens to be one of the most desirable players on their roster but still expendable in the grand scheme of their future. That combination of factors means that Russell would bring back a significant return that could improve the team, while Minnesota can keep the most vital part of its core intact.
Russell’s high-level playmaking, offensive versatility, and knack for elevating his performance in the clutch should make him a hot commodity if he were to hit the trading block. Two teams that could use a guard of his capabilities are the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Execs View D’Angelo Russell As Potential Knicks Trade Option
The Nets proved how desperately they need a table-setter on offense when the Boston Celtics exposed their lack of playmaking in their first-round sweep of Brooklyn, easily limiting Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant’s shot creation in the process.
The Brooklyn Nets could trade Ben Simmons — infamously one of KAT’s best friends in the league — who’s yet to appear in a game for them and nab a safer contributor in return. Brooklyn could squeeze out some additional depth or assets from Minnesota as well considering they’d be trading away the best player in the deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Execs View D’Angelo Russell As Potential Knicks Trade Option
As for the Clippers GM Lawrence Frank did a fantastic job last season retooling the team while Kawhi Leonard continued his season-long rehabilitation. The Clips took advantage of the Portland Trail Blazers’ desperation and fleeced them in a deal to acquire Robert Covington and Norman Powell.
Still, Frank has yet to supply Kawhi and Paul George with a true floor general of their liking. Russell would be a perfect fit running the offense for the LA Clippers’ two star wings, capable of finding shots for others and spotting up for triples when one of their stars is cooking.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Execs View D’Angelo Russell As Potential Knicks Trade Option
If the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to move on from D’Angelo Russell this summer, they should wind up with plenty of offers on the table. Out of all the teams to submit a bid, the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers would be two of the best fits for Russell as a player.
