While this trade did come somewhat out of the blue, it shouldn’t be a major surprise. D’Angelo Russell has been the prime target for the Minnesota Timberwolves front office since they took control in the summer.
The Wolves haven’t had a point guard that can score and facilitate for others in something like a generation, depending on what your thoughts were on Stephon Marbury. The addition of Russell changes that.
Russell hasn’t exactly had a smooth or traditional career path. In the last two years, however, he has proven that he is so much more than just potential.