D'Angelo Russell
D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, April 20, 2019. Getty Images/Elsa

The Golden State Warriors were at the center of a wild Day 1 of 2019 NBA free agency, losing Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets and acquiring D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade. The reigning Western Conference champions are going to look a lot different at the start of next season, and even more big moves could be on the horizon for Golden State.

Shortly after the Warriors shocked the league by adding Russell in a deal that sent Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, it was speculated by many that Golden State would eventually try to trade the newly acquired point guard. The New York Times’ Marc Stein confirmed on “The Dan Patrick Show” Monday morning that the Warriors view Russell as an asset that will be traded.

As part of the sign-and-trade to Golden State, Russell agreed to a four-year, $117 million contract. That gives the Warriors three guards making max money. Stephen Curry has three seasons left on a five-year, $201 million contract. Klay Thompson will officially sign a five-year, $190 million deal to stay in Golden State on July 6.

Thompson will miss much of next season with a torn ACL, allowing Russell to start in the backcourt with Curry. Once Thompson returns, Russell will be an odd fit on a team that’s built around the greatest shooting tandem in league history.

Russell will start the 2019-2020 season with the Warriors. Because he technically re-signed with Brooklyn before being sent to Golden State, the point guard isn’t eligible to be traded for another six months.

When Russell is allowed to be dealt in January and Thompson is likely nearing his return, Golden State could have an array of suitors for the 23-year-old.

Even with a lucrative yearly salary and questions about his ceiling as an NBA player, Russell remains a very valuable asset. He made his first All-Star team this past season as the best player on a Nets’ team that reached the playoffs as the East’s No.6 seed.

Four years younger than Kyrie Irving, who replaced Russell in Brooklyn, Russell averaged 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game. He shot a career-high 36.9 percent from three-point range last season.

With Golden State’s core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green still on the roster, the Warriors can potentially turn Russell into a few players that will give them the depth necessary to, once again, be a championship contender.

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