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Brooklyn Nets restricted free agent D’Angelo Russell has his eyes set on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The New York Times’ Marc Stein reports that Minnesota is “at the top” of Russell’s “wish list.” Stein additionally comments that while the Los Angeles Lakers' interest in Russell is “undeniable,” the Timberwolves have made him their top priority.
The Nets are expected to come to an agreement with point guard Kyrie Irving, who played for the Boston Celtics the past two seasons. Irving’s tenure in Boston is likely through, and he’s edging toward a commitment to sign a four-year max contract worth $141 million with Brooklyn.
This has changed Russell’s situation dramatically. The Nets currently have control of Russell and would have the ability to match any offer he would sign with another franchise, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Brooklyn is expected to renounce Russell following inking Irving. Thus, Russell should be an unrestricted free agent soon into the offseason and able to sign wherever he wants.
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For the time being, that looks to be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who already possess a top pick from the 2015 NBA Draft in Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves selected Towns first overall from the University of Kentucky over Russell. Now, it looks like the two could join forces in the Twin Cities if the Timberwolves can make the necessary moves to make it possible.
Minnesota is in need of strong guard play to pair with Towns. Jeff Teague is on the wrong side of 30 and will be entering the final year of his contract. Russell, who earned his first All-Star appearance in 2019, would bring a jolt of shooting and playmaking in the backcourt for the Timberwolves, who missed the playoffs this past season.
Russell averaged 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 81 appearances while shooting 43.4% from the floor, 36.9% from deep, and 78% from the free-throw line last season.
