Warriors rumors: D'Angelo Russell has influence on Karl-Anthony Towns

If Karl-Anthony Towns does indeed find himself moving to the Warriors from the Timberwolves, D'Angelo Russell would have likey played a big role in that.

If Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Karl-Anthony Towns does indeed find himself relocating to the Golden State Warriors this season, expect D'Angelo Russell to have played a big role in that possible move.

With news of Towns' supposed growing discontent with the Timberwolves franchise after yet another disappointing season, the Dubs have reportedly been paying close attention to the situation.

Although an earlier report from Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic cited that that Towns will likely remain in the Twin Cities and that the issue is getting blown out of proportion, teams are still salivating for the chance to acquire a generational talent like Kentucky product.

As per a report from Zach Harper of The Athletic, some executives are growing curious if the strong bond between Towns and Russell could play a factor in him possibly moving to Oakland. The case can also be made that Russell has a better grasp of Towns' feelings toward Minnesota and could be relaying information to the Warriors' front office.

While certain league sources downplayed the Towns situation with the Wolves — confirming what Jon Krawczynski reported — there were multiple front office sources from Western Conference teams away from the situation curious if the friendship between Towns and Russell serves as a conduit between parties. Towns and Russell are great friends, along with Booker from the Phoenix Suns. Speculation certainly exists focusing on the friendship of Towns and Russell, wondering whether or not Russell could be feeding information to the Warriors.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, meanwhile, is also great friends with Towns and Russell. He has discussed previously his desire to playing with the two if the right situation comes.

It is also worth noting that the last time a group of friends conspired to team up resulted into the birth of the Miami Heat superteam, when 2003 draft class batchmates LeBron James and Chris Bosh took their talents to South Beach to team up with Dwyane Wade in the summer of 2010.

Things will be a little more complicated for Towns and Co., as James, Wade and Bosh were free agents at the time and had full control of the situation.

The Warriors, meanwhile, will have until February 6 to try and offer an enticing package for Karl-Anthony Towns and pair him up with d'Angelo Russell.