Golden State Warriors have seen their superstar forward Kevin Durant walk away in the free agency, but it seems like they are getting a consolation prize. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Warriors will acquire All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal with Brooklyn Nets.
Wojnarowski reports that Warriors will trade Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies in order to create space for Russell. They will also send a protected (No.1-4) 2024 first-round draft pick or No. 1 protected in 2025. If neither of these picks conveys, Memphis will get an unprotected pick in 2026.
Russell will get a four-year, 117 million deal as part of the agreement.
With Durant’s departure and the fact that Klay Thompson will miss the majority of the 2019/2020 on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, Warriors were in for a challenging season. With this move, however, the team ensured that they stay competitive, although the move has hurt their depth and cap-space flexibility.
D’Angelo Russell was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, but Nets renounced their rights on him in order to make space for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Russell had several suitors, thanks to his All-Star campaign last season, including Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, the 23-year-old ended up choosing Golden State, where he is expected to make one of the most feared backcourts with Steph Curry.
Russell helped the Nets reach the playoffs for the first time in four years in 2018/19, managing to average21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
