It has undoubtedly been a rough season for the Golden State Warriors. Major injuries to crucial pieces like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson along with a lack of talent that is healthy to suit up and play have translated to a Western Conference worst 10-34 record.
The results beyond just the poor record that the Warriors have achieved this season has been troubling. They are producing just 0.929 PPP (29th) offensively while having the least efficient half-court offense. Their defense hasn’t been quite as bad allowing 1.003 PPP (22nd) but has still been below average.
There may not have been a bigger dropoff in league history from a season-to-season perspective than the Warriors. They were competing for another NBA Finals win back in just June and now they are slated as being on course for the top odds for the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
A roster that is at the bottom of their respective is going to need significant changes in order to be a highly competitive team next season even after Curry and Thompson return to the lineup. With limited avenues to usher in those necessary changes, a suitor for Russell could help.
Russell is having a solid season for the Warriors with averages of 23.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He has shown that his lone season with the Brooklyn Nets that earned himself an All-Star appearance wasn’t a fluke. However, his overall value as a player beyond the box score remains in question.
With all of that being said, there are three reasons the Warriors should look to trade D’Angelo Russell:
