Obviously, the last and worst-case scenario would be to trade D’Angelo Russell. The Golden State Warriors, who brought him in off a sign-and-trade for Kevin Durant, view him as the future of the team.
The 23-year-old averaged 21.1 points per game last season, securing his first All-Star appearance. After being given up on by the Lakers, Russell showed maturity turning that unbelief into dominance.
His maturity is one thing the Warriors have loved about him, but will that translate to unselfishness on the court? Russell’s yet to play with an elite NBA star in his four seasons in the league.