When they acquired D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins a little over a year ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves envisioned him and Karl-Anthony Towns as the duo to lead them going forward. But it has not gone that way. COVID-19 shortened the season soon after, then Towns has had injury and COVID issues this season and now Russell is out after knee surgery. The two have played five games together, and the sixth isn’t coming real soon.

With the worst record in the NBA (7-27 entering Sunday), the Timberwolves will be a trade deadline seller. The Orlando Magic (13-21) have faded since a promising start, due in large part to injuries. They will also be a trade deadline seller, with some appealing pieces to draw attention from contenders.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has proposed one trade for each NBA team before the deadline. There is some overlap with certain players, but here’s what he drew up for the Magic.

Orlando Magic receive: Juan Hernangomez, Jake Layman, D’Angelo Russell

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Cole Anthony, Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier

The fly in this ointment as we speak today (Feb. 28) is Hernangomez, who due to his contract situation (h/t to Real GM) can’t be traded until Mar. 3. On ESPN’s Trade Machine, the trade works without Hernangomez.

RELATED: Evan Fournier suggested as trade target for the Bucks

If the Timberwolves could get Gordon, Anthony and Fournier, they should get this deal done before the Magic can think about backing out. Fournier is on an expiring contract, which isn’t ideal for Minnesota if they don’t sign him to a multi-year deal. Gordon (ankle) and Anthony (ribs) are out right now, but they are young players ideal for a team trying to build.

Russell is friends with Towns, but apart from that he was never that appealing an acquisition. Swapping him out for at least two players who can be pieces of the equation beyond this season would be well worth it. It’s just hard to see the Magic entertaining the deal in that specific shape.