The former number two overall pick, D’Angelo Russell will be heading to a depleted Golden State Warriors team on a sign-and-trade.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Russell will receive a max contract worth $117 million over four years. The trade also includes Treveon Graham and Shabazz Napier.
Russell, who got left out in the cold after the Brooklyn Nets signed Kyrie Irving on day one of free agency, led the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs for the first time in five seasons after career highs in points ( 21) and assists (7). The move, while working to complete the Kevin Durant deal for the Nets, also adds another star to a team who will be without Klay Thompson the majority of next season.
Russell shot the ball well from three this season at 35 percent and 41.9 percent overall from the field. While he does not come close to match the play of Durant or Thompson, Russell can provide a spark from anywhere on the court and help transition the Warriors into the post-Durant era.
Look for the backcourt of Stephen Curry and Russell to fight in an already packed Western Conference that boasts a reloaded Lakers and Jazz team plus the promising Kings and Pelicans.
The trade, made in order to free up enough cap space for Russel, did not come lightly as the Warriors were forced to trade fan favorite and 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies will also receive the Warriors first-round pick in 2024 (1-4 protected) and there 2025 pick (first round protected) and the Warriors 2026 pick (first-round unprotected).
Iguodala was key in the 2015 finals, averaging 16 points along with stellar defense, notching four steals to help the Warriors defeat Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite a stellar career, the 35-year old is not expected to suit up for the Grizzlies as he is a candidate to be waived before the start of the season. If so, Iguodala will be free to sign with any team.