D'Angelo Russell may not stay in Golden State for long.
The Warriors “hope to trade Russell in a deal at some point next season for future assets,” according to the Mercury News. Golden State acquired the 23-year-old guard from the Nets in a sign-and-trade Sunday, according to multiple reports.
Russell is set to sign a four-year, $117 million contract with the Warriors, according to ESPN.
Golden State and Brooklyn have agreed on a sign-and-trade, sending D’Angelo Russell to the Warriors on a four-year, $117M maximum contract, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
Russell had a career-year for the Nets last season, averaging 21.1 points and 7.0 assists while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range. He made his first All-Star team, as well.
Russell was a restricted free agent but became expendable after Brooklyn added stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Nets have also already reportedly agreed to deals with DeAndre Jordan (four-years, $40 million) and Garrett Temple (two-years, $10 million).
Warriors guard Klay Thompson — who signed a max contract extension with Golden State this summer — suffered a torn ACL in Game 6 of the NBA Finals and is expected to miss a large portion of 2019-20.
Russell will likely slot into the Warriors' backcourt next to star Stephen Curry while Thompson is injured. Once Thompson is close to returning, however, it appears like Golden State will explore moving Russell.
The Warriors reportedly sent Andre Iguodala, along with a first-round pick, to the Grizzlies in order to create cap space to add Russell.
The Rockets and Grizzlies are both reportedly interested in signing Iguodala if he receives a buyout from Memphis.
