D’Angelo Russell has lacked consistency throughout his 7-year career. From his on-court play to how front offices have treated him, Russell has been unable to call one place home for more than a couple of years – until signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following a productive regular season and a below-par post-season, adversity has yet again set in for Russell. He only has one year left with the team he’s been on the longest and doesn’t have an extension waiting for him.
“Contract year” can bring the best out of guys as they try to prove they are worth the money they seek. However, I’m sure Russell would have liked to reach an agreement with the front office this off-season, but waiting to tie up big money in the 26-year-old guard may be the best for both parties.
Gersson Rosas had two main goals when he flipped Andrew Wiggins for Russell in 2019: Keep Karl-Anthony Towns happy and fill the talent void at the point guard position. He accomplished both of those goals. Towns inked a 4-year, $224 million extension to remain in Minnesota, and DLo has been an offensive juggernaut for the team when healthy.
Russell is at his best with the ball in his hands, initiating the offense in half-court sets, primarily through the pick-and-roll. Before his time in Minnesota, DLo had his best statistical season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. He was paired alongside rim-running big-man Jarrett Allen. The connection Russell and Allen had played a significant factor in turning DLo into a first-time All-Star that season.
Russell hasn’t had the same pick-and-roll threat beside him ever since he left Brooklyn. However, Russell may be able to turn the clocks with 7’1” Rudy Gobert at his disposal.
But what if he doesn’t?
The Timberwolves have $463 million tied up in “The Northern Heights” over the next six years, amounting to 58% of the team’s total cap space per year. In a league that has seen more small ball in recent years, having that much invested in two centers will give any GM nightmares.
However, their skill sets are much different. Towns does most of his damage from outside, hitting contested threes or attacking the rim. However, Gobert does all of his work exclusively from the painted area. Whether that’s gobbling up a rebound or flushing down a monstrous slam, you can count on him to dominate the paint.
Despite Russell potentially pairing very well next to Gobert, there’s a 50-50 shot DLo returns in the Timberwolves blue next season, and for a good reason.
Russell is in the last year of a 4-year, $117 million contract. With all the unknown right now surrounding the Wolves, why would Tim Connelly rush to extend him?
The chatter amongst Timberwolves fans has mostly been very positive. Almost everyone is expecting this team to make serious noise in the postseason. However, when subtracting fanbase bias, there is a chance this Gobert experiment doesn’t work out. If so, Connelly and the front office would be wise not to have $30 million or more obligated to DLo.
DLo elevates this Timberwolves team to new heights. If this Gobert experiment works out, I see no reason to believe that Russell won’t be in the Twin Cities come next season. However, extending him now with all the unknowns would be the wrong avenue for the Wolves to take.
