The Los Angeles Lakers were lucky to add sharpshooting point guard D’Angelo Russell to the roster, but many fans haven’t given much thought about why he was traded from Minnesota in the first place.
While there are many variables that played a role, ESPN’s Malika Andrews offered some further insight into the trade, with league sources revealing that the Timberwolves were looking for a point guard who was more mature and less focused on making highlight plays.
“The team traded him at the deadline for Mike Conley, a move that sources told ESPN was geared toward adding maturity to the roster, as well as someone who cared less about making flashy plays,” wrote Kendra Andrews. “There was also pre-existing on-court chemistry between Conley and Gobert.”
ESPN story: Finally whole after a season filled with tumult, can the Timberwolves put it all together with just five regular-season to go and make postseason push?
They believe so. https://t.co/yd8s7xaLEb
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) March 29, 2023
D’Angelo was once considered a core member of the Timberwolves, but the team has done pretty well since moving on from him last month.
Now, at 39-37 on the season and in the middle of a 4-game win streak, the Timberwolves are right in the thick of the West playoff race and could pose a real threat to many championship-hopeful teams.
The real question for the Wolves, however, is the future of their franchise star, Karl-Anthony Towns.
NBA Teams Are ‘Monitoring’ The Situation In Minnesota
Despite Minnesota’s recent ascension, this season could still end up as a disappointment, given how much they gave up to acquire Rudy Gobert in the offseason.
And if the Wolves fall off in epic fashion, teams will be ready to make an offer for KAT.
“Teams are already talking about it,” NBA Insider Jon Krawczynski said on an episode of the Lowe Post podcast. “There’s no doubt that other teams are eyeing this situation and looking to see if KAT will become available…if the bottom falls out of this thing and they go forward that way, there are going to be teams knocking on the door.”
Only time will tell us how the season ends for Minnesota, but they certainly have a lot to fight for over these next few weeks.
After showing so much promise last season, and making a huge win-now move to follow it up, an early playoff exit is not what anyone had in mind for this campaign.
Fortunately, the D’Angelo Russell trade may have taken them a step closer to being the team they envisioned to start this season.
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