In a shocking turn of events, as the Golden State Warriors acquired D’Angelo Russell. They expected him to be just a short-term rental as compensation on losing Kevin Durant in free agency. The Warriors just didn’t want to lose Kevin Durant without getting anything in return so they decided a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets. And with Russell not fitting in with the Warriors, they will just use him until they find a trade partner that would be a better fit with their system. Russell inked a $117 million contract for four years. Will a D’Angelo Russell trade take place? It seems like anything is possible after the recent Russell Westbrook trade.
What is the Best D’Angelo Russell Trade Package?
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat can trade Dion Waiters, Bam Adebayo and a future first-round pick in exchange for Russell. Goran Dragic is not getting any younger and injuries are hitting his career this past few years. Miami needed a fresh and young guard that they could pair to Jimmy Butler. They could send away Dion Waiters’ huge contract in exchange for a young all-star point guard. The Heat would have to sacrifice a promising young center in Bam Adebayo but it will be worth it. Gaining something special requires some sacrifices and that would still be a fair deal for both teams. Taking Russell’s talent to South Beach and pairing him to Jimmy Buckets could easily make them an instant contender in the Eastern Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves could send Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for D’Angelo Russell. Why not? Warriors needed dept at the small forward position after losing Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala. Andrew Wiggins could fill up that void easily. Even though the Timberwolves gave up on Wiggins’ potential, maybe the Warriors can push him to reach his full potential. Giving another chance with a championship atmosphere around Wiggins can transform him into the superstar people expected him to be since he was drafted. And for Minnesota, pairing longtime friends D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns would be interesting. Russell and Towns had some history of playing together in the past. Their chemistry is already there. Jeff Teague is aging and the Wolves need a young starting guard. If this trade went through, the Timberwolves would surely make some noise in the Western Conference.
Orlando Magic
This one here is risky but it makes a lot of sense. The Orlando Magic could send Aaron Gordon and Mohamed Bamba plus a future first-round pick to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Russell. The Orlando Magic need some changes at the point guard position. And having D’Angelo Russell could be a major upgrade over Markelle Fultz and D.J. Augustin. Their long search for an elite point guard could be over now if they push the trade. As Nikola Vucevic returns, Mo Bamba has no room to grow with the franchise. So, the best thing is to ship him away. Aaron Gordon is a valuable asset. He gets better every year and he’s a perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors. Gordon can play the small forward, power forward and center position. Perfect for their small-ball lineup. It’s a risky move for the Orlando Magic but both teams could benefit from this trade. It’s just a matter of who’s willing to take the risk or who’s willing to sacrifice not knowing if it will be worth it.
