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D'Angelo Russell is having a decent season in the final year of a four-year, $117.3 million contract extension he signed in 2019. The Minnesota Timberwolves point guard is averaging 16.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. He is shooting 45.5% from the field, 34.8% from 3-point range, and 83.5% from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves may not be interested in bringing Russell back. After going all-in on this season, the team has underperformed to the tune of an 18-21 record that has them in 11th place in the Western Conference. Additionally, they have Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns locked in to extensions that each exceed $200 million, while Anthony Edwards will be in line to receive a big money contract extension after this season.
After factoring in Russell's social media activity, it is easy to realize why speculation has risen that he could be moved at the trade deadline.
Take a look at the three teams that could enter the sweeptakes if the one-time All-Star becomes available.
Would the Chicago Bulls be willing to part with Alex Caruso or Lonzo Ball?
The Chicago Bulls could certainly use more offensive production. However, they are unable to take on D'Angelo Russell's contract without moving either Alex Caruso or Lonzo Ball. The Bulls, who are 17-21 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, appear more likely to sell than they do to buy.
If Chicago believes that Ball's return could be the spark that the team needs, they could be inclined to move Caruso, as the two players do a lot of the same things. While Russell would be a good basketball fit alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls would have to believe that adding him and getting Ball healthy will turn things around in order for this deal to transpire.
Would the Minnesota Timberwolves move D'Angelo Russell for increased backcourt depth?
Aside from Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards have not gotten much production from their backcourt. They could certainly use an extra scorer and facilitator. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves could use more bench production in the backcourt, as well as players who can compliment Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, when he returns.
It is unknown how much a package centered around Monte Morris, Will Barton and Delon Wright would interest the Timberwolves, however, it would make the team much deeper.
Could D'Angelo Russell's former team get involved?
The LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. While the Lakers are reportedly holding out on trading their two future first-round picks in the hopes of landing a star, Russell has made one All-Star Team. However, he is not the player that most envision LA targeting before the trade deadline.
It is unclear if the Lakers would be willing to include one, or both, of their future first-round picks in a trade package. Furthermore, the Timberwolves would likely be uninterested in acquiring Russell Westbrook. While both teams should have better options, the Lakers are likely to be frequently mentioned if Russell hits the trade block.
Watch D'Angelo Russell's highlights below:
Guess the Lakers players!
