Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
In move that has been rumored since the day he was acquired, the Golden State Warriors finally struck a deal to move D’Angelo Russell.
The trade partner is Russell’s long-time suitor the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were reportedly targeting the point guard this offseason before the Warriors executed an improbable sign and trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Warriors receive fringe-star wing Andrew Wiggins, as well as a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2022 second-rounder, according to ESPN. The first round pick is top three protected through the 2022 season. Golden State is also shipping off 2018 first-round pick Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to the Wolves as part of the deal.
It’s unclear at this point if the Warriors actually see Wiggins, who is owed over $120 million over the next four seasons, as a long-term piece, or an asset that they will look to flip for an even bigger fish down the line. According to Warriors beat writer Anthony Slater, Golden State believes Wiggins is a “salvageable project.” The former first-overall pick is averaging 22.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in over 34 minutes per game this season. Wiggins has struggled from deep (33.1%) this season, but is shooting a career-high 50 percent on twos. He’s also a capable defender but has had a reputation for focus issues on the defensive end.
The Warriors have now traded six of their 14 players over the last 13 days. Russell, Evans and Spellman join Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III as trade deadline casualties.