Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIA)

Miami Heat Receive: G D’Angelo Russell

The NBA playoffs are the place where teeth are cut. Legacies are made and broken in the postseason. It’s the one place where the stakes are highest.

Of course, we’re partly exaggerating for dramatic effect.

For example, Kyle Lowry’s teeth were cut long before the 2021-22 season. His poor postseason performance should have a minimal impact on how he’s remembered if it has any.

On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell’s poor showing matters. He’s only 26, and 2021-22 was only his second postseason appearance. His current stock was impacted by his weak play against the Memphis Grizzlies.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: This Wild Nets-Nets Trade Sends Kyrie Irving To Miami

For that matter, his standing with the Timberwolves may have been to. In fact, the organization is widely believed to be shopping him this summer.

Could this package from the Heat be enough to satisfy them?