The Minnesota Timberwolves’ reported interest in D’Angelo Russell was well known, and Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t make it a secret that he wanted to be teamed up with his good friend this summer.
However, plans changed and Russell received a full four-year max from the Warriors as part of a sign-and-trade that sent him to Golden State and Kevin Durant to the Nets. How long Russell remains with the Warriors is unknown, as there are already reports the deal was to bring in a tradeable asset for the future, but for now he’s headed to Golden State.
The Timberwolves will get involved in the deal, but not to get the guard they so coveted. Instead, Minnesota will take on Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham, along with some cash, as those two players get redirected from the Bay to the land of lakes, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Golden State is moving Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham and cash onto Minnesota, league sources tell ESPN. Napier and Graham are part of the D'Angelo Russell sign-and-trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
Minnesota adds a little depth in the deal, and to put on a tin foil hat here, also help out the Warriors in the deal when they might want to swing in for a second trade later this year or next summer for Russell. That’s obviously conjecture at this point, but it would make some sense to get in the good graces of Golden State if own the road you were going to want to deal for Russell — who can’t be moved for six months after he signs.
Whatever the case, this sign-and-trade appears to be a done deal, finally. The final tally of who goes where looks like this:
Brooklyn gets: Kevin Durant
Golden State gets: D’Angelo Russell
Minneosta gets: Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham, and cash
