The Golden State Warriors have been in a state of ups and downs over the past few years. After losing the 2019 Finals, the team even broke down a bit. That summer, the Warriors first traded KD for Russell. But Russell didn't stay long with the Warriors, playing just 33 games before being sent to the Timberwolves, who were given Wiggins and a 2021 protected first-round pick.
At the time, there were reports that the Warriors were in a hurry to get rid of Russell, giving up on him just a few months after getting him. And the Warriors got Wiggins, who was recognized in the league for having a bad big contract.
Five months after Russell reported to the Warriors, the team gave up on him. The Warriors are so eager to get rid of him that they're taking on a player who is considered one of the worst contracts in the league, Wiggins. ”
After 2 seasons, before the Warriors' game with the Timberwolves, a reporter mentioned the deal again. Kerr said it was an absolute demand-driven deal for the Warriors, who desperately needed to raise the height of the flanks. Kerr also said that because the team has Curry, the demand for Russell has decreased.
"Well, this is definitely the deal we need. We lost too many wing players because of Clay's injury, Durant's departure, Livingston's retirement and Iguodala's departure. So we really need to sign a big man and Wiggins played very well for us. Then there was also the selection of very good young talents like Cumminga, which is a good addition to the team. ”
Despite Russell's talent, he wasn't a good fit for the Warriors in the first place with Curry. The truth is, he's been the Warriors' temporary solution, and the Warriors trade he makes sense. For now, this is a win-win deal. Russell played well with the Timberwolves, averaging 19 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks per game and shooting 35.5 percent from three-point range. Wiggins also changed the impression of fans after joining the Warriors. So far, Wiggins has averaged 18.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and shot 49 percent from the field.
With the deal, the Warriors also got the No. 7 pick of the year, with they picking the 19-year-old Cuminga. Against the Timberwolves, Cumminga played 33 minutes and shot 6-of-12, including 1-of-5 from three-point range, contributing 19 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist. In the past three games, Cumminga has averaged 19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game and shot 52.5 percent from the field. Overall, the Warriors brought Wiggins and Cumminga two wing players to the team through Russell, which was a bloody deal.