The plan to pair the first and second picks from the 2015 NBA Draft was spoiled for the Minnesota Timberwolves, specifically in relationship to D'Angelo Russell.

Once All-Star point guard D'Angelo Russell hit the market—when it was clear Kyrie Irving was joining Kevin Durant in Brooklyn with the Nets—the Timberwolves were active in attempting to sign Russell, either if the Nets renounced his restricted free-agency rights, or by completing a sign-and-trade to acquire D'Lo from Brooklyn.

That dream was spoiled when the Golden State Warriors swooped in and acquired Russell on a max contract via a sign-and-trade.

Per The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski:

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
3 players Minnesota Timberwolves must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) holds onto the ball next to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
3 best players Minnesota Timberwolves must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) practices
Timberwolves president’s bold Anthony Edwards prediction after WCF eliminationJedd Pagaduan ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Did Timberwolves’ Tim Connelly drop hint at potential Kevin Durant trade?Malik Brown ·
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
Tim Connelly confirms Timberwolves future despite potential departure rumorsTroy Finnegan ·
timberwolves, anthony edwards, kevin durant, timberwolves trade
3 trades Minnesota Timberwolves must make to win 2026 NBA title with Anthony EdwardsGarrett Kerman ·

“According to sources, the Wolves went into the meeting with Russell firmly ready to make the trades necessary to get a deal done with him. They were just waiting for Russell to give them the official green light that yes he was ready to come aboard.”

Now, Minnesota is reeling and figuring out how to make other deals this summer. The Timberwolves have already signed Warriors big man Jordan Bell, and they also acquired guards Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham from Golden State as well.
The Timberwolves already possess former first pick and Rookie of the Year in 2016 Karl-Anthony Towns, a University of Kentucky product and New Jersey native. D'Angelo Russell was selected immediately after Towns in the 2015 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Russell would later be traded to Brooklyn from Los Angeles during the 2017 offseason. He made his first All-Star team this past February with the Nets but became a restricted free agent on Sunday. The Nets needed to move the 23-year-old in order to sign Durant, Irving, and reportedly DeAndre Jordan.