Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal 

Well, there’s a reason this pick is lottery protected. 

The Heat can’t give up an unprotected first for a rental of Russell. He wouldn’t be worth the cost. Meanwhile, at 20-18, there’s a non-zero chance they end up picking in the lottery this summer. 

Consider this a bet that Russell will help them avoid that fate. Given his relative age, he’s a much more dynamic playmaker than Lowry at the moment. He ought to make this team better. 

Meanwhile, his tendency to probe defenses in pick-and-roll sets shouldn’t bother the Heat either.

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

This team likes to grind possessions out in the half-court – Russell should fit right into Erik Spoelstra’s drive-and-kick offense. 

Would Lowry be a good fit for the Wolves?