The D'Angelo Russell Thread

[winforlose]

I recommend everyone listen to today's Dane Moore episode from his live show with Jon K last night. About an hour in, they had a long discussion surrounding the Russell contract situation.

He and I have been saying the same thing for a good while now. The salary slot MUST not be allowed to be lost. We also will NEVER replace Dlo for the MLE, much less the tax payer MLE. Tyus just got 15 mil to be a solid backup PG.

HOWEVER, there is also really no incentive to get it done soon, which they said as well.

Actually, they did not. They said if we win 50+ that will raise Dlo’s asking price. They also should have pointed out (but didn’t,) that Dlo’s risk taking and attitude could take a hit if they don’t extend him sooner. But, there is an advantage (sort of,) if Dlo feels pressure to perform. That pressure disappears with 4 future guaranteed years. Then again, if Dlo shoots too much and fights his teammates for boards to pad his stats that is a negative. Long story short, we MUST extend him, and 4/100 would be fantastic. I don’t care when it happens, so long as it happens.

[Klomp]

Keep in mind, of the five starters, it could be said that Russell is the most likely to be traded just based on contract status, position with the team, asking price, etc. Extending him before the trade deadline takes him off the board for any other big moves an aggressive front office might want to make near the deadline.

Just as one example, if we start hot and a team with a better PG starts poorly and decides to phone it in for VW, I could see Russell's name floated out there, with his expiring deal becoming valuable and us gearing up for a playoff run. Just as one example....Damian Lillard?

[Klomp]

He and I have been saying the same thing for a good while now. The salary slot MUST not be allowed to be lost. We also will NEVER replace Dlo for the MLE, much less the tax payer MLE. Tyus just got 15 mil to be a solid backup PG.

HOWEVER, there is also really no incentive to get it done soon, which they said as well.

Actually, they did not. They said if we win 50+ that will raise Dlo’s asking price.

If he's a key reason for the winning. And if that's the case, a couple million won't make a difference in the long run.

Keep in mind, extensions are limited to 120% of a player's salary. So even if he's asking for $30 million now and you're worried it might go up, the absolute most it can go up to is $37.2 million. Yes $7 million is a significant jump, but it's not like we're talking about him going over $45 million or something.

[TimberKat]

I am still rooting for a DLo for Clay trade and like DLo for CJ too. VanVleet is even less likely to happen. It seems DLo, Prince and Reid are the only trade possibilities. Hoping to see Nowell take Prince’s 7M salary slot and get an upgrade for DLo’s slot.

[Dewey]

Keep in mind, of the five starters, it could be said that Russell is the most likely to be traded just based on contract status, position with the team, asking price, etc. Extending him before the trade deadline takes him off the board for any other big moves an aggressive front office might want to make near the deadline.

Just as one example, if we start hot and a team with a better PG starts poorly and decides to phone it in for VW, I could see Russell's name floated out there, with his expiring deal becoming valuable and us gearing up for a playoff run. Just as one example....Damian Lillard?

Simplify … DLo does not play winning basketball.

Sure, he can get the hot hand now and then, but …

[winforlose]

Keep in mind, of the five starters, it could be said that Russell is the most likely to be traded just based on contract status, position with the team, asking price, etc. Extending him before the trade deadline takes him off the board for any other big moves an aggressive front office might want to make near the deadline.

Just as one example, if we start hot and a team with a better PG starts poorly and decides to phone it in for VW, I could see Russell's name floated out there, with his expiring deal becoming valuable and us gearing up for a playoff run. Just as one example....Damian Lillard?

Simplify … DLo does not play winning basketball.

Sure, he can get the hot hand now and then, but …

You say that, but look at the play in game. Also, remember he draws good defenders like Brooks away from Ant. Also remember that when Ant is playing hurt, (or worse not playing at all,) Dlo is the guy who can pick up the slack.

To be honest I wouldn’t mind replacing him. BUT, only with a player who is a CLEAR upgrade. Dame, CJ, Hali, type upgrade. Lonzo ball for example is a terrible replacement who between health issues and limited upside just cannot replace the X factor that Dlo brings.

If we cannot replace him, then we need to better utilize him. His best year was with the Nets playing a ton of PNR with Allen. Now he is playing PNR with Gobert. Dlo struggles to get to the rim, but with screen assists should get there more easily. We have seen Dlo tends to finish at a high percentage at the rim. We need Dlo to hit more 3s, so Finch uses the analytics and finds both sweet spots, and optimal set up (catch and shoot, vs pull up, vs step back, vs PNP, ect…) I am not saying Dlo will become somebody else, nor that the changes will happen immediately. But I do think year by year Finch will have positive effects on Dlo, especially with TC bringing in guys Dlo can thrive with.

[mplsfonz23]

I say table all talk with Lo until he proves he will play at a high level. Extend him now, he may lose his hunger. Trade him mid season and we may lose chemistry. The only way we trade him this season is if he's not pulling his weight. Use whatever money we have and hope to land a PG that can bridge the gap until summer. Lillard is not it, unless his contract is up. Just my 2.

[Klomp]

I say table all talk with Lo until he proves he will play at a high level. Extend him now, he may lose his hunger. Trade him mid season and we may lose chemistry. The only way we trade him this season is if he's not pulling his weight. Use whatever money we have and hope to land a PG that can bridge the gap until summer. Lillard is not it, unless his contract is up. Just my 2.

Yeah I know Dame would be divisive, but it was the big name I could think about which would be semirealistic but yet a big enough fish.

[Domejandro]

Not trying to be rude, but the Damian Lillard speculation doesn’t add up to me at all. Dude’s game would have to completely crater, and even if it did, Portland would probably just rest him and try to gun for Wembanyama. Worse yet, if Lillard was that horrifically washed, why would Minnesota commit to his insane salary?

The Lakers could just offer Russell Westbrook and a couple firsts to blow out Minnesota’s offer.

It’s a situation where Minnesota wouldn’t be competitive at all in a real trade market, or wouldn’t want to touch it.

[Domejandro]

For what it’s worth, I think Chris Paul is the most interesting name, if Phoenix has massive internal problems. That would be an ideal target (as I’ve explained in this thread previously), but it would take a unique set of circumstances to make happen.

[shrink]

For what it’s worth, I think Chris Paul is the most interesting name, if Phoenix has massive internal problems. That would be an ideal target (as I’ve explained in this thread previously), but it would take a unique set of circumstances to make happen.

I agree. It’d be unique on the PHX side, plus we’d have questions (Paul’s health, would Paul’s “leadership” help or hurt KAT?). That said, he has the safer contract, that maintains our slot but has team protections.

Dane Moore said something in his last pod that struck home with me. For those Wolves fans who are worried about locking into DLo for big money and many years — give me an alternative? I think there are very few other roads here, but I appreciate posters here coming up with some ideas!

[winforlose]

For what it’s worth, I think Chris Paul is the most interesting name, if Phoenix has massive internal problems. That would be an ideal target (as I’ve explained in this thread previously), but it would take a unique set of circumstances to make happen.

I agree. It’d be unique on the PHX side, plus we’d have questions (Paul’s health, would Paul’s “leadership” help or hurt KAT?). That said, he has the safer contract, that maintains our slot but has team protections.

Dane Moore said something in his last pod that struck home with me. For those Wolves fans who are worried about locking into DLo for big money and many years — give me an alternative? I think there are very few other roads here, but I appreciate posters here coming up with some ideas!

CP3 is also a very real dead end for the salary slot that Dane said we cannot afford to lose. If Tyus is worth 15 mil, what can we replace CP3 with for 10 or less in 2 years? Utah is the biggest winner of that trade as we would be in real trouble later on.

[Domejandro]

For what it’s worth, I think Chris Paul is the most interesting name, if Phoenix has massive internal problems. That would be an ideal target (as I’ve explained in this thread previously), but it would take a unique set of circumstances to make happen.

I agree. It’d be unique on the PHX side, plus we’d have questions (Paul’s health, would Paul’s “leadership” help or hurt KAT?). That said, he has the safer contract, that maintains our slot but has team protections.

Dane Moore said something in his last pod that struck home with me. For those Wolves fans who are worried about locking into DLo for big money and many years — give me an alternative? I think there are very few other roads here, but I appreciate posters here coming up with some ideas!

CP3 is also a very real dead end for the salary slot that Dane said we cannot afford to lose. If Tyus is worth 15 mil, what can we replace CP3 with for 10 or less in 2 years? Utah is the biggest winner of that trade as we would be in real trouble later on.

I've been through this before, but for next season Chris Paul is only guaranteed for $15.8 and the year after is fully unguaranteed. His deal is literally the most ideal option on the market for maintaining a tradeable salary slot, moving forward.

[winforlose]

I agree. It’d be unique on the PHX side, plus we’d have questions (Paul’s health, would Paul’s “leadership” help or hurt KAT?). That said, he has the safer contract, that maintains our slot but has team protections.

Dane Moore said something in his last pod that struck home with me. For those Wolves fans who are worried about locking into DLo for big money and many years — give me an alternative? I think there are very few other roads here, but I appreciate posters here coming up with some ideas!

CP3 is also a very real dead end for the salary slot that Dane said we cannot afford to lose. If Tyus is worth 15 mil, what can we replace CP3 with for 10 or less in 2 years? Utah is the biggest winner of that trade as we would be in real trouble later on.

I've been through this before, but for next season Chris Paul is only guaranteed for $15.8 and the year after is fully unguaranteed. His deal is literally the most ideal option on the market for maintaining a tradeable salary slot, moving forward.

He is 38 in May. 39 in may of 24. How many people are trading for a 39 year PG without picks?

[minimus]

I find it interesting that our FO does not force DLo contract negotiation talk, despite reported interest from DLo side. Point guard position is the only one issue I am worried about right now. I hope it will be resolved, because I see PG situation as the biggest improvement area for this team.

[minimus]

Also it makes no sense, but I can't believe that DLo is our most talented PG in like 20 years. Although there was a stretch of games when Rubio, Bjelica, Wiggins, Towns played good basketball the year when LaVine got injured.

[Klomp]

I find it interesting that our FO does not force DLo contract negotiation talk, despite reported interest from DLo side. Point guard position is the only one issue I am worried about right now. I hope it will be resolved, because I see PG situation as the biggest improvement area for this team.

Russell probably wants it only at his current dollar amount. And I don't really blame him.

[minimus]

I find it interesting that our FO does not force DLo contract negotiation talk, despite reported interest from DLo side. Point guard position is the only one issue I am worried about right now. I hope it will be resolved, because I see PG situation as the biggest improvement area for this team.

Russell probably wants it only at his current dollar amount. And I don't really blame him.

Yeah, I understand his interest. But he has been playing really badly last 30 games and trajectory is descending...

[winforlose]

I find it interesting that our FO does not force DLo contract negotiation talk, despite reported interest from DLo side. Point guard position is the only one issue I am worried about right now. I hope it will be resolved, because I see PG situation as the biggest improvement area for this team.

Russell probably wants it only at his current dollar amount. And I don't really blame him.

Yeah, I understand his interest. But he has been playing really badly last 30 games and trajectory is descending...

There is significant risk for Dlo right now. He is slumping very hard. If he gets hurt this is the last impression he made in a contract year. Maybe he signs 1 for 20 to 2 for 42 to get some job security. I would still sign that, despite his play. If Tyus is worth 15, Dlo is worth 20.

[Klomp]

Russell probably wants it only at his current dollar amount. And I don't really blame him.

Yeah, I understand his interest. But he has been playing really badly last 30 games and trajectory is descending...

There is significant risk for Dlo right now. He is slumping very hard. If he gets hurt this is the last impression he made in a contract year. Maybe he signs 1 for 20 to 2 for 42 to get some job security. I would still sign that, despite his play. If Tyus is worth 15, Dlo is worth 20.

Personally, I view those dollar amounts as his floor. As you said, Russell is better than Tyus. So why should he sign today for what is essentially his floor? Even with a season-long injury, his amount wouldn't drop that much farther than that, so there's not much incentive for him in terms of finances.