Tag: Golden State Warriors

Report: Warriors trade D’Angelo Russell to Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and picks

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors are moving D’Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman and Jacob Evans III to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and draft pick compensation.

Since the time D’Angelo Russell arrived in Golden State, there have been trade rumors swirling around the 23-year-old former All-Star. On the day of the NBA trade deadline, those rumors seem to be turning into reality.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Warriors are trading D’Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman and Jacob Evans III to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and draft pick compensation that includes a 2021 top-three protected draft pick. The Warriors are reported to be acquiring a 2021 second-round pick in the package for Russell, Spellman and Evans III.

 

Since Russell’s 2019 free agency, the Timberwolves have been linked to the former Ohio State Buckeye, once a member of Golden State, the rumors of Minnesota and the Warriors trade chatter swirled all season. Now, with only hours till the trade deadline, the Timberwolves got their point-guard to pair with All-Star center, Karl-Anthony Towns.

In his first season with the Golden State Warriors, Russell was Steve Kerr’s leading offensive initiator, averaging 23.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Russell registered 10 games of 30 points or more this season, including a career-high 52-point effort against his new team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Along with Russell, young players, Spellman and Evans III, will be traded to Minnesota as well. Evans III, the Warriors 2019 first road pick, hasn’t found consistency in his young NBA career, dealing with injuries that have limited him to only 52 games in two seasons.

Spellman came from the Atlanta Hawks over the offseason and impressed in a limited role for Golden State. With the Warriors, Spellman averaged 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game. The former Villanova Wildcat was able to stretch the floor for Golden State, shooting a career-high 39.1 % from beyond the arc.

In the deal, the Warriors are getting back 2014’s No. 1 overall pick in Wiggins. The former Rookie of the Year will slide next to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson once the “Splash Brother” duo returns healthy.

One day after trading Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III, the Warriors added two more draft picks from the Russell package deal. Minnesota is sending their 2021 first-round pick and a 2022 second-rounder, adding to the bevy of picks Golden State has amassed from the 2020 trade season.

There is still time left before the NBA trade deadline passes. However, the Warriors have little assets left to move after trading six players leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline.

The Warriors are Andrew Wiggins’ last chance to prove critics wrong

Welp, Wiggins is a Warrior now.

Six years ago when Andrew Wiggins first came into the NBA (which somehow feels like it was decades ago now), we all thought he was the next GUY.

You know, the next LeBron James or Kobe Bryant or whoever. He was supposed to be that. I mean, he hadn’t even been drafted yet and we were wondering if it was too big a risk for the Cavaliers to trade him for Kevin freaking Love, for crying out loud.

The way things turned out? The Cavaliers were absolutely right. The Cavs won a championship with Love as one of LeBron James’ wingmen and Wiggins has pretty much floundered for six straight years in obscurity in basketball purgatory — also known as Minnesota.

Wiggins had all the potential in the world but never actualized it. He hasn’t quite his a ceiling in Minnesota as much as he’s run into a wall that he can’t get passed.

The Warriors are hoping they’ll be able to get him to break through.

The Warriors at least have something to work with

Look, Wiggins hasn’t been good for most of his career. But he got off to a fantastic start this season with the Wolves.

He’s played in 42 games this season. The first 21 games? Things were great. Wiggins averaged 25 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game on 46% shooting from the field and 33% from deep. He looked like a legit All-Star.

The next 21? Pfft. He’s stunk up the joint at 19.9 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 42.4% shooting.

The Warriors are not only hoping to get the guy from the first couple of games, they’re hoping to improve on that guy and make him a legitimate staple in their rotation.

There are games where he’ll do things that will have you constantly banging your head into wall like Squidward. Like, bruh, WATER YOU DOING!?

But then, literally in the same game, he looks like a legit superstar and does outlandish things like this. And you have no idea which Wiggins is the real Wiggins — trust me, I know. I’ve had my cape on for years now.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the Andrew Wiggins experience. And exactly why, after six years of riding the roller coaster, the Wolves are willing to finally move on.

Can the Warriors bring out his best?

That remains to be seen. Maybe all he needs is to play in a structured system like theres? That could be possible.

When he’s left to make his own decisions, he struggles. Putting him into a system where decisions are baked in might help. But he’s never been a good playmaker and plus the Warriors system is actually kiiinda complicated.

His biggest assets are his athleticism and length— the Warriors can channel that defensively. But there have also always been questions about his motor, so literally who knows? I can tell you who doesn’t — it’s me.

This is a big gamble the Warriors are taking and they’re paying him a lot of money to do it. Draft picks aside, they’d better hope it’s worth it.

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The winners and losers of the Timberwolves, Warriors D’Angelo Russell trade

Let’s break down the blockbuster.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors reportedly pulled off one of the bigger trades in the lead-up to the 2020 NBA trade deadline.

The Dubs will send guard D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to the Wolves for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 first-round pick that has some protections on it (per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s protected up to No. 3 in 2021 and completely open in 2022), along with a second-rounder in 2022.

It’s a move that actually makes a lot of sense for both sides, which we’ll get in to with our winners and losers for the blockbuster that involves two 20-plus points per game scorers.

Winners

Minnesota Timberwolves

They were looking to get Wiggins’ awful contract off the books (he’s due over $120 million total including this season, through 2023), and they did it. Sure, it was costly. But they also got back a friend of Karl-Anthony Towns, one who also happens to be a super-talented scorer and passer in the back-court. The first-rounder they gave up could come back to bite them, but that’s not the point here. Russell and KAT appears to be a much better pairing than Wiggins and KAT.

Golden State Warriors

The future was already bright as it could be. Now? Wow. Next year, they’ll have healthy Steph Curry and Klay Thompson back, possibly a top lottery pick, the Timberwolves’ selection either in 2021 and 2022, and I happen to think that Wiggins will fit in as a third scorer with less pressure on him. It’s worth the risk even if he ends up buried on the depth chart because the other stars on the team can cover up his weaknesses.

Karl-Anthony Towns

He’ll be happy to play with one of his close friends. And a happy KAT makes the T-Wolves happy.

Losers

New York Knicks

They were rumored to be talking to the Warriors about Russell and missed out on getting a star to build around. But maybe it’s for the best that they didn’t make a move that would have cost them some of their young core? Still, they lose out here.

Evans and Spellman

I would think they would want to stay by the Bay to compete for a title next year when the Warriors are all healthy. Now they get to play on a less talented squad.

Harrison Barnes

His name was trending on Twitter because of tweets like this:

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Report: 76ers acquire Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III from Warriors for draft picks

According to reports, the Golden State Warriors are trading Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks to the Philadelphia 76ers for a bundle of draft picks.

Multiple trips to the NBA Finals have spurned the Golden State Warriors activity in the NBA trade deadline. Yet, during the 2019-20 season, things are changing. With a losing record, the Warriors have been busy leading up to the NBA’s trade deadline.

Starting with a trade that sent center Willie Cauley-Stein to the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors are dealing two more of their veteran players before the deadline. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Philadelphia 76ers are acquiring both Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III from Golden State.

The news of the deal comes after Golden State held both Robinson III and Burks out of the lineup shortly before tip-off against the Brooklyn Nets on the eve of the trade deadline.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Philadelphia is sending draft pick compensation that includes three second-round picks for the pair of Golden State veterans. Including the Cauley-Stein trade, the Warriors now have a draft haul of five future second-round picks.

Burks and Robinson III have registered breakout seasons with the Warriors in their first year in San Francisco. Robinson III has started all but three games for Golden State, averaging 12.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 31.6 minutes per game. Robinson is shooting a career-high 48.1 % from the field while adding 40.0 % shooting beyond the arc.

Burks has been one of Steve Kerr’s best offensive options in the 2019-20 season, stamping games of 30 points or more twice this season. Burks is scoring a career-high 16.1 points per contest in 48 games this season.

Now that Burks and Robinson III have been moved, 23-year-old guard D’Angelo Russell is the remaining member of Golden State being linked to trade rumors. The Warriors will now have one day to decide on either holding onto Russell past the deadline or trade the former Brooklyn All-Star.

Report: Miami Heat acquire former Warrior Andre Iguodala from Memphis

Former Golden State Warrior turned member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Andre Iguodala has found a new home with the Miami Heat.

Several members of the Golden State Warriors have been surrounded by rumors leading up to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. Willie Cauley-Stein has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks, while both Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III were pulled from the Warriors’ lineup with the trade deadline looming.

In the middle of it all is D’Angelo Russell. According to multiple reports, teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks are vying for a trade to bring Russell to their team.

While the Warriors are active at the trade deadline, former members of Golden State are also on the move.

Over the past offseason, the Warriors traded their sixth-man Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, now he’s on his way to South Beach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Iguodala has yet to play a game in the 2019-20 season as he was waiting for Memphis to move him to a contender, now, a day away from the trade deadline, the former NBA Finals Most Valuable Player got his wish granted.

On top of being traded to Miami, Iguodala will reportedly sign a two-year, $30 million extension. That news is significant for the Golden State Warriors because it essentially nixes any chance at a reunion with Iguodala over the summer via free agency.

Once the trade becomes official, Iguodala will have the chance to reunite with the Warriors, as his new team the Miami Heat will travel to Chase Center in San Francisco on February 10.

Watch: Kevin Durant and Steph Curry reunite after Warriors vs. Nets

After the Warriors’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Stephen Curry embraced Kevin Durant with a hug following the loss.

There were several storylines heading into the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night game against the Brooklyn Nets. The game started with both Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks being scratched from the lineup with the NBA trade deadline looming.

There was the return of D’Angelo Russell, who spent two seasons in Brooklyn, registering one All-Star nod and a trip to the playoffs during his time with the Nets. Brooklyn fans greeted Russell with a homecoming welcome, thanking him for his time with the team.

Then there was the game, where the Warriors had a chance to stack their first three-game road winning streak of the season. However, the Warriors couldn’t eclipse 88-points in a loss to Brooklyn.

Finally, the most subtle, yet most intriguing headline was former Warrior Kevin Durant reuniting with his Golden State teammates. Stephen Curry and Durant are dealing with long-term injuries, sidelining both for the game.

Yet, after the final buzzer, the duo made time to reunite. Along the sideline, Curry and Durant embraced each other with a long hug.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Curry and Durant spent around five minutes chatting after the game ended.

Along with Curry, Durant met with several members of the Warriors after the game, including former teammate Draymond Green.

Durant joined Golden State for three seasons prior to signing with Brooklyn. As a member of the Warriors, Durant won three championships and two NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophies.

Podcast: Discussing the top rumors ahead of 2020 NBA trade deadline

Alex Kennedy and Frank Urbina preview the 2020 NBA trade deadline, discussing the various teams and players to keep an eye on.

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On this episode of The HoopsHype Podcast, Alex Kennedy and Frank Urbina preview the 2020 NBA trade deadline. They discuss the teams and players to keep an eye on over the next 24 hours. Time-stamps are below!

1:15: The New York Knicks are reportedly open for business since firing Steve Mills. Now, they’re apparently open to trading Marcus Morris. They’re also one of the teams in the mix for D’Angelo Russell.

4:45: Discussing what the Los Angeles Lakers may do ahead of the deadline. They’ve shown interest in Morris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Schroeder and Darren Collison among others, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Also, will Kyle Kuzma be traded?

8:15: The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping tabs on what the Lakers are doing and they’re competing for many of the same players. Alex and Frank discuss the Clippers’ options. If they land Morris, how much better would they be?

12:15: The Phoenix Suns are reportedly listening to offers for Kelly Oubre all of a sudden, which is somewhat surprising. Are the Suns sellers?

13:40: Discussing the Golden State Warriors’ trade talks, including their options with D’Angelo Russell, Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III.

21:20: The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers reportedly want to add a shooter, but Milwaukee doesn’t want to disrupt their chemistry and Philadelphia doesn’t have many trade chips.

26:55: Prior to the Warriors-Nets game in Brooklyn, Alec Burks was on the phone for a while and then was consoled by Warriors staffers, according to HoopsHype’s Bryan Kalbrosky. Alex and Frank react to this as well as the fact that Burks and Robinson III were held out of tonight’s game.

28:35: Breaking down the Oklahoma City Thunder’s options leading up to the deadline. They’re open to selling Schroeder, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams, but they have reportedly fielded some calls as a buyer too.

31:30: The Miami Heat have expressed in Gallinari and Iguodala (who they traded for shortly after this was recorded). Alex and Frank discuss Miami’s options, Iguodala’s fit with the Heat and more.

34:50: What will the San Antonio Spurs do ahead of the deadline? They’ve reportedly had conversations about DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay, but they’re asking for a lot. They’ve also made calls that indicate they could be a buyer.

37:15: Discussing the Detroit Pistons’ options in regards to Andre Drummond, Markieff Morris and Derrick Rose.

40:55: Breaking down the Toronto Raptors’ approach to the deadline. They are reportedly a buyer. Will Masai Ujiri make a move? And how tough is it for Masai to make a trade these days after fleecing so many rival executives?

43:40: Alex and Frank each share a trade that they’d love to see happen prior to the deadline.

Nets coast to 129-88 win over Warriors

Caris LeVert had another strong showing, this time at the expense of old friend D’Angelo Russell.

Brooklyn set the tone early against old friend D’Angelo Russell and Warriors as the Nets dropped 40 points on Golden State in the first quarter, en route to a 129-88 win. This marks Brooklyn’s second double-digit point win in as many games, having previously knocked off the Phoenix Suns 119-97.

Wednesday’s win marks the first time the Nets have won by 40-plus points since 2009.

In the loss, Russell scored 17 points on 7-for-20 shooting, to lead the Warriors. Eight of Russell’s misses came from beyond the arc. (He didn’t make a single 3-point attempt). He also had two steals.

On Brooklyn’s side of things, Caris LeVert had himself another big night. The wing scored 23 points on 8-for-20 shooting (3-for-5 from deep). He also dished out eight assists.

Five other Nets finished in double figures.

Joe Harris scored 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting (2-for-4 from 3-point territory). Harris also finished one rebound shy of a double-double.

Garrett Temple scored 16, Taurean Prince and Rodions Kurucs had 12 apiece and DeAndre Jordan finished with 10 points.

Jarrett Allen was the only player on either side to finish with double-digit rebounds (13).

RELATED: D’Angelo Russell receives warm welcome in return to Brooklyn

Nets fans show D’Angelo Russell love in his first return to Brooklyn

In his first return to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, fans of the Nets chanted thank you praise for D’Angelo Russell.

It’s been a whirlwind week for D’Angelo Russell. The 23-year-old guard has been dealing with trade rumors leading up to the league’s Thursday trade deadline. On top of that, Russell missed the Warriors matchup in Washington with a quad injury.

With trade rumors flying, Russell has been at the center of the Golden State Warriors chatter. Multiple teams have been linked to trading for Russell, including both the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, before the trade deadline, the Warriors still had games on the schedule, including a homecoming with Russell and the Brooklyn Nets.
The game started off to a different pace against the Nets when the Warriors held out both Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks with the trade deadline looming.

Although when Russell took to the free-throw line, fans of the Nets let their former All-Star guard know how thankful they were for his time in Brooklyn. Fans chanted, “thank you, D-Lo,” when he went to the line.

Russell spent two seasons in Brooklyn, leading them to an Eastern Conference playoff appearance in his final season. In his career with the Nets, he averaged 19.0 points and 6.3 assists per game. Russell represented Brooklyn in the 2019 All-Star game, the team’s first appearance All-Star since 2014.

D’Angelo Russell receives warm welcome in return to Brooklyn

On Wednesday, D’Angelo Russell was back at Barclays Center for the first time since he was traded to the Warriors over the summer.

It feels like it’s been quite some time since D’Angelo Russell’s days with the Brooklyn Nets came to an end, but it hasn’t even been a full year.

As Nets fans remember, the organization’s representative at the 2019 NBA All-Star game was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade that delivered Kevin Durant to the Nets.

Since then, Russell and the Warriors have had a rough go. They entered Wednesday’s game with the worst record in the NBA (12-39). A major shift for Golden State, and a change for Russell, too, having helped the Nets finish sixth in the Eastern Conference last season.

In addition to their effort, the other thing that made Russell and the rest 2018-19 Nets unique was the group had fun while they went to work. And the fan base remains loyal Russell because of what he did — which is why they were thanking him at the start of Wednesday’s game:

The Nets organization, as a whole, hasn’t forgotten what D-Lo did in his time either: