D’Angelo Russell being targeted by one Western Conference rival

As we inch closer and closer to the trade deadline, things are heating up quickly. After Kyrie Irving was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks just two days after his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, the rest of the league is sure to follow suit with other trades in short order.

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, rumors have been brewing for weeks upon weeks. Several NBA teams reportedly reached out to the Wolves to inquire about Naz Reid, but it appears that he will in all likelihood remain in the Twin Cities, at least until the offseason.

After D’Angelo Russell’s rough start to the season, talks of his departure became widespread in short order. But with his improved play as the year has gone on, it seems more likely that he will still be on the Timberwolves’ roster by week’s end after all. Even so, interest in the Wolves’ point guard has not slowed down.

One Western Conference rival is still pursuing D’Angelo Russell

Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Los Angeles Clippers have been ‘looking hard’ at D’Angelo Russell. The fourth-place Clippers are looking to sure up their roster as they attempt to make a Finals run in a wide-open Western Conference.

The Clips were also reportedly making offers for Kyrie Irving, so it makes sense that their next target would be the likes of D’Angelo Russell. They feel they are a team that is one piece away from being a top tier contender, and a player like D-Lo could potentially get them there.

While it certainly seemed as though things were getting further and further from Russell departing from the Timberwolves, the right offer from another team could make Minnesota reconsider. Especially if another front office is willing to overpay and/or send a haul of picks for D-Lo.

What could the Clippers send in return for D’Angelo Russell?

If the Timberwolves did hypothetically deal Russell to Los Angeles, they would likely want another ball handler they could fill into the starting lineup (unless they simply decide to roll with Jordan McLaughlin). The most likely candidate from the Clippers is probably Terance Mann.

Mann was reportedly featured in the Clips’ proposed deal to the Nets, and his age makes him an attractive trade candidate. LA is also reportedly making Luke Kennard available in trade talks, and his accuracy as a three-point shooter could be of interest to Minnesota as well.

After the Timberwolves have seemingly come full circle on D’Angelo Russell in the past four-plus months, it would seem bizarre for them to reverse course so quickly and trade him. However, such is the nature of the beast when it comes to the NBA trade deadline.

Timberwolves fans can still probably expect Russell to be in Minnesota for the rest of the season, but the right trade package could change everything in an instant.