Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal 

D’Angelo Russell is having a very rough season. It was not supposed to be like this. 

In theory, he was a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Gobert. Unfortunately, in practice, a Russell/Gobert pick-and-roll does not appear to be an optimal offensive set. The Wolves have better options, and Russell’s skillset is getting frozen out. 

It should be more welcomed in Miami. The Heat have more shooters to space out the pick-and-roll while Russell is operating. Moreover, they have a dire need for his playmaking.

For that matter, they could simply start Max Struss in the position and use Russell as a sixth man. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves & Miami Heat Updates

More broadly, this is simply a talent upgrade for the Heat. Given their age discrepancy, it feels safer to assume that Russell will regain his form than it does that Lowry will. 

Of course, the Wolves are in win-now mode as well. Why would they downgrade?