Will D’Angelo Russell Find A New Home Before February?

By Jeff Stinger • January 18, 2023

Minnesota Timberwolves starting guard D’Angelo Russell shook the trade block when he unfollowed the franchise on Instagram. This move alone is something that sparks rumors and is a major concern in the modern NBA. Reports say that Russel’s name has come up in trade talks. This was followed by talks that the Miami Heat are one team seriously interested in the 26-year-old guard.

While most of the recent blame surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves fiasco is influenced by Rudy Gober, there is enough to go around D’Angelo Russell. The latter is no stranger to up-and-down performances throughout his career. It also means that not many are surprised to see him as a possible trade deadline candidate. If the Wolves are looking to tweak their roster before the second half, Russell is a prime candidate to get things done.

But, Russell’s future in Minnesota might be on the rocks as his numbers dropped each year. Although he continues to average 17 points and seven assists on 45% shooting from the field this season, the team’s results speak volumes.

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Russell Off to Greener Pastures

Young talent for veteran competence

Kyle Lowry’s performance dipped this year and Russell on an expired deal leads many to believe that this is a trade that could transpire before the deadline. It makes complete sense why Miami would be keen to make the swap work, especially considering the team’s scoring efficiency record, which is well below the bottom ten this year. That said, the scoring specialist could help up this side of the ball game for Miami.

Looking at how the Timberwolves want to make changes to the roster, we evaluate a return in the way of an experienced point guard. However, since this deal begs for both parties to be firm in their decision, it remains in the gray area for now. Lowry still has another year on his contract versus Russel’s current expiring deal.

It’s no surprise that Lowry is seen as a much more valuable asset that could complement the Timberwolves’ current squad, but something out in the open market could present better options for Russell and his future.

The former Warriors star is a defensive liability and perhaps that bears more weight to the trade rumors than his offensive talent, but it’d be a shock to see this deal materialize unless it included a future first-round pick or another young piece from Miami.

Another veteran trade in the mix

Another speculation that surfaced is a Mike Conley Jr-Russell trade. The Timberwolves could target a point guard that works on both ends of the floor. They do have enough scoring firepower but are in dire need of a two-way player, and that’s where Conley joins in on the talks.

Conley is averaging north of ten points, 7.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds this season. The 35-year-old is considered to be one of the more reliable veteran guards in the league. But, what makes the deal more promising is the fact that the Ohio State product played with Rudy Gobert in Utah before the latter was sent to Minnesota.

The former Grizzlies man presents a $22.6-million cap this season and is signed through next season for another $24.3-million. Meanwhile, Russell is anticipated to make over $31 million this season.

It remains unclear whether the two teams are interested in taking this road or if Minnesota needs to make multiple trades or bring a third team into the picture to get Conley. A straight Conley for Russell trade wouldn’t work unless Minnesota shoulders some of Russell’s salary or Utah sends the Wolves another player in the equation to help make the trade close to possible.

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