The Minnesota Timberwolves are in one of their best periods of recent years, with seven wins in their last 10 games. Everything about this team seems to be going up, but they still need to maintain that success throughout the season, especially on the defensive end.
Anthony Edwards ushered in a year of his career in his sophomore campaign. He averaged 22.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Carl Anthony Towns recovered from last season's mediocre performances, leading the team in both points and rebounds. D'Angelo Russell has excelled in long-range shots and assists this season, but his playing style doesn't seem to match Edwards and Towns.
D'Angelo Russell's key scores this season have led the league. He shot 42 percent from three-point range in key moments.
Now that he's worth the most, it's probably the best time to trade him for better pieces. Here are three reasons why the Timberwolves should trade Russell now.
3. Anthony Edwards needs the ball
Since Russell was in charge of the point guard, Edwards' usage and touchdowns were not at their highest level. His usage increased from 26.4 percent last season to 27.4 percent, but he can make the most of it when Edwards is the main ball-handler on offense, surrounded by players with strong shooting and defensive abilities.
Since most of Downs' offense starts with blocking, Edwards is the best player to support Downs' choice because it's hard for defense to control Edwards' offense. For the Timberwolves, having players like Klay Thompson or Bradley Beal will be great because despite their lower usage than Russell, they will continue to perform well.
Russell could adjust by becoming the second pointer, but in his career he has yet to prove it.
2. D'Angelo Russell defense
Towns and Edwards have always had difficulties defensively, but Russell is the focal point that opponents have to deal with every night. Under Russell's defense, opponents shoot 51.8 percent from two-point range, while opponents shoot as much as 58.1 percent when Russell is at 10 feet or closer. Russell doesn't lack defensive athleticism and speed, but he has to work harder to stay ahead of his opponents.
His defense has really improved this year, but Wolves will certainly benefit from having a player who can really improve their defense.
D'Angelo Russell's defense this year deserves praise, and he feels like he's improved a lot.
For the Timberwolves, adding a flank with a wider body and enough defensive skills is a better option, as the Timberwolves need some veterans to contribute to their dirty work. Their core is very talented, but their team still has some holes that can be filled by bringing in experienced players to complement the Duo of Edwards and Towns.
1. Timberwolves need a leader
With edwards and downs at their core, they needed a mentor to guide them through the crossroads and bumps of their young careers. Russell's annual salary will still be close to $90 million for the next three years, but he doesn't have the leadership skills necessary for a star point guard. He's an extraordinary offensive genius, but the Timberwolves need his stats and stats to deliver consistent wins to the team.
Russell's playing style is more suited to a team like the one he led the Brooklyn Nets into the playoffs a few years ago because he's the focus of offense and the players around him thrive in his playing style. Edwards and Towns tend to lead by example in their personal style, so Minnesota can trade young assets as well as those who can make them outspoken leaders.
Russell's talent and play in key moments is unquestionable, but it has been suggested that he be traded to Minnesota, more because he fits the existing players under head coach Chris Finch. They lack good defensive players in their squad, so the two-way players around Towns and Edwards should give their team long-term success.