D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell presents the Minnesota Timberwolves with a conflict. Off the floor, his friendship with Karl-Anthony Towns is well-documented. On the floor, that chemistry doesn’t always translate.

The Wolves were content to make the playoffs in 2021-22. They accomplished that goal. Still, they’ll have their sights set higher in 2022-23.

Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell was sorely disappointing in this year’s postseason. He may not be the best fit for this roster. Russell is a ball-dominant point guard. He’s undeniably skilled, but any time the ball is in his hands, it’s not in either Towns’ or Anthony Edwards’.

It’s not hard to see avenues towards improvement for this team. Most of them involve trading Russell. A backcourt of Patrick Beverley and Malik Beasley is better designed to support the team’s two best players.

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A quality 3-and-D forward or two would count toward more wins than continuing forward with Russell. Look for the front office to come to that realization this summer.

Prediction: D’Angelo Russell gets traded