NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors D’Angelo Russell Swap For Aaron Gordon ‘Unlikely’, Says Source

KEY POINTS

D’Angelo Russell went to the Warriors after a trade with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn
Sources say that the trade not happening as the team will maximize his scoring
Steph Curry could return playing towards the end of the regular season

Golden State Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell can’t get a break when it comes to rumors surrounding his stay with the Dubs but at least, one of those is about to go down the drain.

Per Bleacher Report, the 23-year old Russell will stay at The Bay and there the rumored trade between him and Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon is “unlikely” to happen. Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, a source with knowledge of the Warriors’ direction described the potential player swap as a “hard no”.

The new acquisition for the Warriors after a trade with Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, Russell has been the leading scorer for coach Steve Kerr. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 24 games played for the 9-33 Warriors. Though he struggled offensively when they faced the visiting Dallas Mavericks when he only had 13 points on 17 shots – but he finished with eight assists and three rebounds – in 34 minutes.

Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III are the ones that can be possibly sent to other teams before the deadline per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Burks is averaging 15.8 points per game and Robinson III is chipping in 12.2 points per outing for the Warriors. The rumored move will make the team rely on Russell’s scoring more than ever as their two main guns are still at sickbay.

Gordon, on the other hand, made an and-one play with just a second left to beat the Sacramento Kings, 114-112. The 24-year old highflyer is averaging 13.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 34 games for the 19-21 Magic and doesn’t seem to be bothered about the trade talks.

Golden State’s top scorers are still recovering from their respective injuries. Stephen Curry, as shared by Kerr, could possibly play again with the team toward the end of the regular season after recovering from his broken hand while Klay Thompson was ruled out this season as he is still rehabbing his knee after tearing his ACL during the finals against eventual champions Toronto Raptors.