D’Angelo Russell was supposed to be one of the key players leading the charge for the LA Lakers until LeBron James decided to join. Ultimately, he was traded and forced to begin a career with the Brooklyn Nets. Since then, he has worked and developed into an All-Star offensive force, as one of the brightest young players in the game today.

Now a member of the Golden State Warriors, Russell is now tasked with making them a respectable team with both Curry and Thompson out of action for a long time. While he might be good enough to keep them out of the lottery per se, this does not fit the Warriors future plan.

They should move on from Russell and should do it now. Here are the best destinations for D’Angelo Russell.

Denver Nuggets

Trade Package: Gary Harris, Michael Porter Jr., Juancho Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt, First-Round Pick for D’Angelo Russell

The Nuggets need more star power especially after looking sluggish so far this season. After a fantastic season last year, they are not looking as strong. If they want to remain one of the top teams in the league, they might want a chance at D’Angelo Russell who could provide another 20-ppg scorer alongside Jokic and Murray to build a strong Big Three lineup.

For the Warriors, they could certainly use the young players and depth that the Nuggets can give them. Harris is a starter in this league and is a perfect Warriors player thanks to his defense and shooting from the outside. Porter Jr. is still a young player who has heaps of potential, who might find it in the Golden State. The other players are young, athletic, and would provide much-needed depth for the Warriors.

Atlanta Hawks

Trade Package: Cam Reddish, Evan Turner, Kevin Huerter, Two First-Round Picks for D’Angelo Russell

The Hawks have acquired some nice talent and might want to have a crack at the Eastern Conference playoffs. By moving on from Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter, they can add a legitimate All-Star in Russell to play alongside Trae Young. Both of these players are excellent shooters and could legitimately be two 20-10 guys on the same team.

The Warriors will get a sweet package with this one, as Reddish is a skillful scorer with tons of potential. Depending on where he is, he could become a star or fade into obscurity. Huerter is a modern NBA swingman, who can shoot and use his length to bother opponents. Future picks will certainly sweeten the deal for the Warriors, who will have a great rebuild process if they do business with the Hawks.

Detroit Pistons

Trade Package: Andre Drummond for D’Angelo Russell

The Pistons clearly need perimeter play, and Russell could be their savior. As good as Drummond is, they already possess a more skilled big in Blake Griffin who suits the modern pace of the NBA game. Pairing Griffin with Russell would give the Pistons a great shot at being one of the top teams in the East, especially if they make other trades such as moving on from Reggie Jackson.

For the Warriors, they would have a dominant defensive big man who would flourish beside Curry and Klay. Drummond rebounds blocks shots and does all the dirty work while the two gunners let it fly from deep all game long. Drummond might become one of the best Warriors big men even if he does end up there. He will develop his game and legitimately challenge Rudy Gobert as the games best defensive big.

New York Knicks

Trade Package: Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Marcus Morris, Two First-Round Picks for D’Angelo Russell

The Knicks flopped this offseason by not acquiring any big-name star players. Even though Julius Randle looks to be a star in the making, they could use one more star player. Russell can return to New York and form a dynamic pairing with Randle once again, this time with the Knicks. The Knicks will have some perimeter star power they have been lacking since Carmelo Anthony, and Russell seems to be the type to flourish under bring lights.

For the Warriors, they would receive an excellent young swingman in Knox, a serviceable forward in Morris, and a developing Frank Ntilikina. The French guard can provide defense, depth, and playmaking while Curry rests during games. Knox is the big fish here and would be a wonderful power forward who can attack the rim and defend multiple positions. If he develops a jumper, which will likely be the case as he plays alongside Curry and Klay, Knox can make quite an impact on the floor with his athleticism. The Warriors need to go younger, and Knox might be one of the answers.

Toronto Raptors

Trade Package: Serge Ibaka, Patrick McCaw, OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, First-Round Pick for D’Angelo Russell

The Raptors made history last year by defeating the Warriors for the NBA title. Despite losing Kawhi Leonard, they still look strong enough to be a top-4 seed in the East Les by Pascal Siakam. They are deep, experienced and hungry to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.

If the Raptors truly want to become champs again, acquiring a star guard would do them wonders. Russell, Lowry, Gasol, Siakam, and Van Vleet are five very talented players who can make up a championship core.

For the Warriors, they would be getting a versatile OG Anunoby, a young shooter in Powell, and a versatile big with lots of experience in Serge Ibaka. The Warriors would ultimately be clearing some cap space with this move along with acquiring some young talent to give them some depth now and in the future.

The Warriors would also be shipping off Russell to the Eastern Conference, rather than to a Western Conference rival. If the Warriors want to quicken their rebuild, moving Russell is the best decision to make.

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