It sure looks like the last-place Golden State Warriors are going to be hanging on to D’Angelo Russell ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Recent reports suggested that Golden State is open to moving the All-Star guard ahead of said deadline. It looks like the team will hold off for now.
According to Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer, Golden State turned down a massive offer that included two first-round picks in the 2020 NBA Draft in what would have ended up being a four-team trade between the Rockets, Timberwolves, Nets and Warriors.
“Recently, a three-way deal was discussed that would have sent Robert Covington to Houston, Clint Capela to Atlanta, and Brooklyn’s 2020 first-round pick from Atlanta to Minnesota, the report read. “But Golden State declined Minnesota’s offer—which included the Brooklyn first and its own first-round pick in 2020.”
The Warriors are said to be looking for at least one first-round pick and a young player in exchange for Russell. It’s not yet known what the other moving parts in this deal would have been, but those two first-round picks are valuable chips.
Minnesota currently boasts the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 15-34 on the season. Its selection, if unprotected, could very well land in the top five. Meanwhile, the Nets are a disappointing 22-27 on the season.
It’s no surprise that the Dubs value Russell at a high clip. In the midst of a disastrous and injury-plagued season, he’s been the only real bright spot.
The 23-year-old guard is averaging 23.8 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 38% from distance. He’s on pace to join Stephen Curry and James Harden as the only players in NBA history to average 23-plus points while shooting 38-plus percent on 10 or more three-point attempts per game. Crazy numbers.
It will be interesting to see if something comes to fruition on this end ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.