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.
1. Miami Heat
This trade would help get Lowry off the Heat’s books one year sooner, as Lowry’s deal expires after next season. Miami draft picks rarely sniff the lottery, so a first round pick wouldn’t be too unreasonable for the acquisition of Russell and Reid.
From the Wolves’ perspective, Lowry, who is 36 years old, could bring a different skillset to the point guard position. Though he’s expensive, aging, and has an injury history, Lowry would have the potential to provide a shooting and defensive upgrade to the Wolves backcourt, which could make him a great pairing with Anthony Edwards.
2. LA Clippers
The Clippers are in need of immediate point guard help, and an expiring contact would also give them flexibility in the coming offseason. Russell may or may not fit with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but it’s undeniable that his playmaking would be much more valuable in a wing-based system in LA than with Minnesota’s big lineups.
For the Wolves – some shooting and defensive help would be the name of the game in this trade. Kennard and Covington are both streaky shooters, but Covington’s defense would be valuable at his position, taking some pressure off of Jaden McDaniels to defend the perimeter.
3. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is definitely in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, so getting off of Gordon Hayward’s contract, which goes through next season, would certainly be appealing for their rebuild.
For Minnesota, it’s hard to know how much Hayward has left given his injury history, but a healthy Hayward would be an intriguing fit in the Wolves’ offense. Hayward is certainly not a ball dominant wing and could provide some shooting and defensive support on the wing. It would also be extremely fun to have both McDaniels brothers on the same team.
4. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are in an interesting position right now. Given their current injury situation, it doesn’t appear that they will be contending for a title this season. Though that could change, it may be smart for the Suns to look to next summer’s free agent class.
Bridges would make a nice fit long term with the Wolves on an affordable contract. He’s a proven two-way player that would provide a much needed boost to the Wolves’ perimeter defense. At $20 million per year over the next four years, Bridges will be an affordable starting caliber player for the Wolves (especially when the cap increases), and given the state of the Wolves’ cap sheet, an affordable starter will be extremely valuable.
A trade for D’Angelo Russell will be difficult to pull off, and it’s difficult to imagine how other teams would value Russell in a trade, but these trade ideas are an attempt to map what a Russell trade may look like. This trade situation will certainly be worth monitoring in the coming weeks.