The February 6 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and D’Angelo Russell’s $31 million expiring contract makes him a prime trade candidate, especially with no reports of contract extension talks.
The Timberwolves have a couple of options here:
1. Don’t sign Russell, let him walk in free agency
This is the least ideal scenario, as the Wolves would receive nothing in return for Russell, and would also not retain cap space from Russell’s contract due to the team’s current cap situation.
2. Trade Russell before the trade deadline
Russell wouldn’t command a haul of picks, but he is an expiring contract that would be valuable to teams looking to make moves in the 2023 free agent market. Russell would also be valuable to teams looking to get off of some large, longer-term contracts. Not to mention, Russell is a very good player.
3. Wait for the end of the season, hope to facilitate a sign-and-trade
Similar to option one, this would be risky if the Wolves aren’t able to facilitate a deal, but this option could yield a more favorable trade.
With the trade deadline coming up, let’s take a look at some possible trades the Timberwolves could make for D’Angelo Russell before February 6.