LA Clippers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Eric Bledsoe, F Marcus Morris Sr., F Terance Mann, 2022 Second-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Clippers could use an upgrade at the point guard spot, especially with Kawhi Leonard sidelined, and they accomplish that by acquiring D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota could be in the market to shake things up once again and focus a rebuild around Anthony Edwards. If that is the case, the Clippers should aggressively pursue Russell to answer their point guard issues.
They would be surrendering a lot of depth in this trade. Eric Bledsoe figures to take over the minutes Rajon Rondo and Patrick Beverley had. Marcus Morris Sr. has been an excellent floor spacer from the forward spot for Los Angeles, knocking down 47.3 percent of his 3-pointers last season.
Terance Mann had a coming-out party in the 2021 NBA Playoffs with a 39-point performance to help eliminate the Utah Jazz in the second round of the playoffs. He is in line for a big role with the Clippers, with Leonard sidelined.
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A 2022 second-round pick is also included, but that wouldn’t deter the Clippers from making this trade. Even with the three rotation players included, they would have some solid depth with Nicolas Batum, Luke Kennard, Justice Winslow, and Serge Ibaka.
Russell is a sizable upgrade over Bledsoe as a starting guard that the Clippers likely wouldn’t hesitate to acquire the 25-year old former Buckeye. They would also have some future savings in this deal, as Russell’s deal runs for only two more seasons.
While the Clippers would be all for this trade, would the Timberwolves feel the same way? Let’s take a look at it from their perspective.
