NBA Trades & Free Agency: 5 Offseason moves that should have happened but didn't

#3 D'Angelo Russell signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves

D'Angelo Russell joined the Golden State Warriors this summer

The Golden State Warriors lost Kevin Durant but gained D'Angelo Russell. The Warriors acquired Russell through a sign and trade that sent Durant and a protected first-round draft pick to the Nets. The Warriors received Russell, Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham in return.

The deal benefited both sides, but it is also an adjustment for both sides. For the Nets, Durant will miss this season. For the Warriors, they have to find a way to fit Russell into their system. In Brooklyn, Russell typically had the ball in his hands and made plays be it for himself or his teammates. Curry is the primary ball-handler for the Warriors and runs the offense. With this in mind, both Russell and the Warriors have to adjust.

For Russell, the Warriors deal is a good one, but there were other options. He received interest from teams such as the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Indiana Pacers. Another team that was tied to Russell was the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves have a young, talented core in Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. The duo shows promise but has not reached their potential. The Timberwolves went from a playoff-bound team to a lottery team within a season. Minnesota needed another option to pair with their two youthful players. Russell was a possibility.

Russell is a good friend of Towns, and the Minnesota big man welcomed the possibility of playing alongside his friend. However, it did not happen.

While Russell is currently with the Warriors, there is uncertainty in him being their long-term. According to NBA writer Brad Botkin, Russell could be traded. Botkin says that Golden State views him as reinforcement for losing Durant but also a potential trade asset. The Timberwolves are said to be keeping an eye on Russell and his role with the Warriors. So, there is a chance he lands with the Wolves.

Russell was so close to joining his friend in Minnesota. The Timberwolves lost two points guards (Derrick Rose and Tyus Jones) in free agency and could have used Russell at that position.

The Timberwolves needed a point guard and should have signed him before the Warriors did.