NBA Trade Rumors: T-Wolves Need To Address D’Angelo Russell's Status In Offseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves made some breakthroughs this season by making it to the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs. Although they made a good account of themselves, they still fell to the Memphis Grizzlies with inexperience showing.

The experience factor was evident in some of the games. The T-Wolves held double-digit leads but the Grizzlies managed to overhaul that and turn things around.

Heading into the offseason, Minnesota is expected to evaluate the team and figure out who stays and who goes. One name that could draw interest from other teams is D’Angelo Russell.

The second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft could draw interest from teams, mainly because of his expiring $31.4 million contract. But dealing away the 6-foot-4 guard may not be easy, especially if his ties with All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns are to be factored in.

According to scribe Marc Stein, a change in point guard could be forthcoming. Russell’s salary could be a problem and this is something that contending teams could gamble on.

Incidentally, Russell was not too happy about being benched during game 6 of the T-Wolves' first-round playoff matchup with the Grizzlies.

“The Timberwolves held exit interviews Saturday and when asked if he was OK with the benching. Russell said: “No. Not at all.”

When asked by Chris Hine of the Star Tribune if he was denied an opportunity to do his job, he responded by saying: “Of course, I want to be out there.”

Russell did not have a good game at the time. He finished with seven points but had four turnovers.

Rather, it was Jordan McLaughlin who was playing better. But between the two, there is no question that Russell could play offensively. However, another part of his game that raises questions is his poor defense.

For now, it seems Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch is content with Russell and believes that adjustments still need to be made.

“His skill set, his playmaking, all that stuff hasn’t changed. We’ve just got to figure out maybe some different sets or structures that kind of accentuate those things too. I could’ve done a better job of trying to get him into the series a little bit more with some plays for him maybe off the ball,” Finch stated.