NBA Rumors: Golden State Entertaining Offers Involving Former All-Star

With a few days left before the NBA trade deadline, a fresh report surfaced saying that the Golden State Warriors are seriously entertaining offers involving their starting point guard D’Angelo Russell.

Marc Stein of the New York Times sparked the speculation and said, “Many thought the Warriors would wait until draft time to seriously ponder moving D'Angelo Russell, but sources say they are listening to pitches.”

From the range of suitors, Stein likewise revealed that the frontrunners to land the 23-year-old former All-Star are the Minnesota Timberwolves – the team that has been linked with Russell since last year’s free agency.

This report about Russell is just one of the several previous trade talks that dragged his name. Just last month, Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reported a rumor about the Warriors possibly sending him to Philadelphia in a deal that would land the team Ben Simmons.

"Some believe the pairing of Simmons and big man Joel Embiid isn't viable in their pursuit of a championship," Thompson bared. "Simmons, as one source told me, is probably the best player the Warriors could possibly get for Russell, just considering the needs of the Warriors and their potential trade partners."

Apart from Russel, Stein added that Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III are also expected to be transferred by Thursday.

D’Angelo Russell just signed a four-year, $117 million contract with the Warriors last summer following a stellar season with the Brooklyn Nets. While it is evident that he carried his usual exploits over to the Bay Area with 23.8 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game this season, the decent individual numbers hardly reflected to the overall showing of the Dubs who are reeling at 11-39 in the West with no signs whatsoever of dropping the hammer in the second half of the regular season.

Another reason being contemplated as to Russell’s potential transfer is the former second overall pick’s resemblance of play to that of the Splash Brothers. His position could be tricky when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson return as it could spell dilemma in the rotation and playbook of Steve Kerr.

Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report wrote, “Russell is a talented guard who can handle the ball, attack the basket and hit from deep, but there is some redundancy between him and the Splash Brothers.”

“It isn't difficult to envision him helping the Warriors in the playoffs next season, but they are apparently open to trading him in an effort to bolster their stock if the right deal presents itself,” he added.