As the NBA rapidly approaches the 2020 trade deadline on February 6, each day brings a new team into the D’Angelo Russell rumor mill. Since his arrival at Golden State, teams from across the league have shown interest in trying to acquire Russell’s talents from the Warriors.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Russell since the time he was a free agent over the offseason and have continued to pursue him throughout his time as a member of Golden State. Marc Stein of The New York Times has reported that it’s “no secret Minnesota wants D-Lo badly.”
Many thought the Warriors would wait until draft time to seriously ponder moving D'Angelo Russell, but sources say they are listening to pitches — with no secret Minnesota wants D-Lo badly. Golden State is widely expected to trade Alec Burks and/or Glenn Robinson III this week
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2020
If the Warriors decide to move Russell, Minnesota may have some competition for the 23-year-old former Brooklyn Nets’ All-Star.
SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley reported the Knicks to have “registered interest” in Russell, with forward Bobby Portis as one of the names in the deal to bring the former Ohio State Buckeye to Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks have registered interest with Golden State about trading for D’Angelo Russell, league sources confirm. It’s unclear how far along talks have gone, but Bobby Portis is one name that came up in the conversations, per SNY sources.
Begley additionally reported that 21-year-old French guard, Frank Ntilikina is another name that could be attached to a trade for Russell.
Per SNY sources, Frank Ntilikina’s name has also come up in conversations between the Knicks and Warriors around Russell.
In his first season with Golden State, Russell is averaging 23.8 points and 6.3 assists in 32 games. The looming question surrounding Russell’s future in Golden State relates to injured two-time Most Valuable Player, Stephen Curry. Curry has been injured all but four games in the 2019-20 season, limiting the opportunity to build chemistry in the same backcourt as Russell.
Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will be forced to decide between either entertaining trade offers for Russell before the deadline or keep him in Golden State to see how he plays next to Curry.