Golden State Warriors: 5 potential trade packages for D’Angelo Russell

It’s no secret that Golden State Warriors’ offseason acquisition D’Angelo Russell makes sense as a long-term trade piece. Let’s take a look at five teams that could be fits for a trade with the Warriors.

At the start of this offseason, the biggest questions surrounding the Golden State Warriors focused on Kevin Durant. Whether he would be a part of the Warriors move into the Chase Center, or if he’d pursue opportunities elsewhere.

While the Warriors were surely disappointed when Durant decided to join Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan with the Brooklyn Nets, he notified the organization early in the free-agency process. The Warriors utilized that flexibility to arrange a sign-and-trade to acquire 23-year old D’Angelo Russell.

Russell had a breakout season with the Nets last year. The second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft had put up serviceable numbers since he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, but had yet to show star potential.

Over his first three seasons, Russell averaged 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Last year, he put up career highs in nearly every category (21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game), while also setting career marks in efficiency.

Russell took nearly eight threes and 11 two-point shots per game but managed career-best percentages in both categories (36.9% from three and 48.2% from inside the arc). He helped lead the Nets to a 42-40 record, finishing with the 6th best record in the Eastern Conference.

At just 23 years of age, it’s easy to see why he was an attractive target to the Warriors. He will allow Stephen Curry to play off the ball more and can lead a pick-and-roll offense with the second unit.

Plus, considering his youth, there is reason to believe he has more progress to be made.

Most importantly, the Warriors lacked the cap space to sign someone like Russell as a free agent. Losing Durant and working out a sign-and-trade was the only opportunity to do so.

Still, the long-term fit is questionable. Once Klay Thompson returns from ACL surgery, Russell and Curry’s presence in the backcourt will force Thompson to play out of position at the 3.

Thompson is an elite perimeter defender, but the lack of wing depth on the roster will force Russell and Curry (both average defenders at best) to guard opposing backcourts.

Russell has the ability to shoot, but he’s an off-the-dribble scorer — he’s never been asked to be a catch-and-shoot player. Now, Curry’s elite off-ball play could allow Russell to stay at point guard, but when games are on the line, I’m hard-pressed to believe Curry won’t have the ball in his hands.

All this makes a trade the most likely long-term scenario.

The Warriors hope Russell fills in for Thompson well and shows enough to create a trade market next offseason that will allow them to recoup some assets that more aptly fit their core of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.

Here are five teams that seem like the most likely fits.