As the Minnesota Timberwolves’ season wears on, there are increasing signs of encouragement that this team can live up to their potential. After a five-game win streak that included four road wins and victories over mostly playoff-level teams, the Timberwolves have begun to find their footing.
However, there’s also been lingering signs that this team is still relatively far off from what they can become. A 23-point loss at home to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night helped expose more of the Timberwolves’ flaws.
With that said, there are a few moves Minnesota can make this season that will majorly improve their chances to win a championship. Moving D’Angelo Russell is one personnel move that has been discussed heavily by fans and pundits alike.
If the Timberwolves were to look to move Russell, there would no doubt be several teams interested in acquiring him. Here are three teams could potentially end up calling Minnesota about a D’Angelo Russell trade.
1. Washington Wizards
A team that has outdone expectations in the current NBA season is the Washington Wizards. While they have regressed a bit in the last week or so, they started the season a solid 10-7, and are still in the playoff picture at eighth in the East.
Washington’s combination of Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma has been an underrated trio that has kept this team aloft in an ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. They have a much more solid core of players than in years past.
The Wizards have gotten solid production at point guard from Monte Morris, but if they want to make a push for the playoffs, they could look to move him in favor of a higher-caliber ball handler. That could come in the form of D’Angelo Russell.
While he has had his struggles this season, Russell’s talents are clear to any team that is in need of a point guard that can help them get to the next level. His passing and scoring skill would elevate any playoff hopeful, and his potential availability on the trade market could pique the Wizards’ interest.