11 Wildcard trade candidates ahead of the deadline

NBA Trade Candidate: D’Angelo Russell

After a poor start to the year, both D’Angelo Russell and the Minnesota Timberwolves have begun to turn their seasons around. Still, he has taken a lot of the blame for that slow start, and he has taken notice. His improved play could be seen as a response to the criticism, but it could also be seen as a showcase ahead of his upcoming free agency.

With the Timberwolves already paying Rudy Gobert nearly $40 million a season going forward and owing Karl-Anthony Towns at least $30 million annually, they likely don’t plan to re-sign Russell. Especially with them having to sign former No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards to a massive contract extension this summer.

That means the Wolves could trade him ahead of this summer in the hopes of getting something in return instead of losing him for nothing. The Miami Heat could be a potential trade partner, with the Heat believed to be interested in Russell and having another starting point guard making similar money on the trading block. Assuming that Russell is indeed moved, it’ll likely be for another point guard, and there are others available, such as Fred Van Vleet.

But, considering that he’ll also be a free agent after this season, the Wolves would be in the same position as they are with Russell unless they’re willing to pay up. Minnesota could opt to keep Russell, knowing that he’ll probably walk, and they seem fine with letting Naz Reid do the same, thus making Russell a wildcard trade candidate.