NBA Trades: 3 D’Angelo Russell trades for the Minnesota Timberwolves to consider
By Jack Simone
NBA Trades: 3 D’Angelo Russell trades for the Minnesota Timberwolves to consider: LA Clippers
LA Clippers receive: D’Angelo Russell, 2023 Second-Round Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves: Norman Powell, Marcus Morris
At face value, this seems like a weird trade for the Timberwolves to make. It would leave them relatively thin at the ball-handler position and sees them lose some dynamic scoring. However, what the T-Wolves do get could outweigh what they lose in this deal.
First and foremost, the T-Wolves get some great depth in this trade. Both Powell and Morris are high-level bench players who are perfectly capable of starting, too.
Powell is a near-20-point per game scorer and Morris is the type of guy who can get his team a bucket at a moment’s notice. Plus, they would give the T-Wolves an improved veteran presence in the lineup.
It also gives them a lot more long-term flexibility. Russell is only under contract for one more season, and after that, Minnesota would have to worry about re-signing him.
Instead, the Clippers would get the point guard they’ve been looking for, and Reggie Jackson can return to the bench and cook opposing teams from there.
As far as Minnesota’s lack of playmaking after the trade, they would still have Patrick Beverley and Jordan McLaughlin. In addition, since they would have just added two quality wings, they could trade Malik Beasley for a replacement point guard.