Dallas Mavericks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell

Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis

This would be a pretty major swap between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. D’Angelo Russell and Kristaps Porzingis are both very talented players but have yet to put it together consistently.

Russell has two years remaining on his deal and is being paid $30 million in the upcoming season. Porzingis has three years remaining on his deal and is being paid $31.6 million for the 2021-22 season.

Oddly enough, both had their best seasons while residing with the New York teams. Russell made his lone All-Star appearance as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, while Porzingis rose to prominence with the New York Knicks.

Both players have struggled to stay on the court since leaving New York. Russell has played in only 87 games the previous two seasons with the Golden State Warriors and Timberwolves, while Porzingis has suited up in only 100 for the Mavericks.

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Since Porzingis has one more season on his deal, the last of which is a player option, Minnesota could ask for some draft compensation to take him on as well. A change of scenery could work out for both players, as they will fill needs on their new teams in this hypothetical team.

How do they fit on their new teams? Let’s take a look at why each franchise would do this deal, starting with the Mavericks.