Before D’Angelo Russell suited up in a Golden State Warriors jersey, his name was circulating through trade rumors. By some, the 23-year old, All-Star guard was labeled a trade chip instead of a future contributor to a championship run. How he’d fit next to Stephen Curry, and his expensive max contract fueled the Warriors trade rumors.
Barring some nagging injuries, Russell’s continued his All-Star caliber play with Golden State, averaging 22.7 points, 6.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. In 14 games this season, Russell’s notched a 52-point effort and four 30-point games. Still, the trade rumors around Russell continue.
Before the Warriors tipped off against the Utah Jazz, Steve Kerr spoke about the tough situation Russell is in dealing with constant trade news.
“I’m sure people look at it and say he signed a big contract, and that’s all that matters— money doesn’t buy peace of mind— it doesn’t buy a sense of belonging,” Kerr said. “If there’s speculation you’re going to be traded all the time— I don’t care how much money you make, I don’t care who you are, that’s tough— no fun to deal with.”
Steve Kerr on how D'Angelo Russell is handling the constant trade chatter. "Money doesn't buy peace of mind, it doesn't buy a sense of belonging." pic.twitter.com/wETOkUcIxO
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) December 13, 2019
From the offseason to 25-games into the 2019-20 regular season, the Golden State Warriors’ outlook has drastically changed. Going from perennial championship contenders to bottom of the standings, everyone in the Warriors organization has had to change things up a bit—including Russell.
Russell’s had to go from trying to complement Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, to the primary scorer in Kerr’s offense.
“This season has been nowhere close to what D’Angelo thought it would be when he signed with us,” said Kerr. “There’s no Steph, we’re struggling to win games, he’s had his own injuries and we’re throwing all kinds of different lineups out there based on other injuries we’ve faced.”
Even with the struggles, the rumors, the injuries and a change of scenery, Kerr is proud of the way Russell has handled himself.
“I think he’s played really well,” said Kerr. “He’s doing everything he needs to do to solidify his position here, but this is the NBA, we never know what’s coming or what’s happening, so it’s a difficult position to be in general, but for him in particular.”
The trade deadline doesn’t come till early February giving the Warriors plenty of time to decide what they want to do with Russell. However, as long as Russell’s in Golden State while they’re struggling, expect the trade winds to continue to swirl.