The Timberwolves lost 2-4 to the Grizzlies, 3 of the 4 games lost were overturned by opponents, the inexperienced Timberwolves, do need some time to sharpen, the question is how to build the lineup in the future of the Timberwolves? Obviously, the Timberwolves may have to consider Russell's contract extension this summer, and even Downs's extension can be considered. At present, Russell still has a one-year contract, Downs is a two-year contract, so if the Timberwolves want to give Russell a contract extension, they need to consider Downs and another supernova, Edwards, because next summer the Timberwolves must consider the renewal of Towns and Edwards, the maximum salary should be no suspense, but should Russell take the maximum salary extension?
Russell's current contract is given by the Nets, 4 years 117 million, when Russell played a fantastic season, cashed in his own talent, but Russell's ceiling should be visible to the naked eye, look at the Warriors playing well In The Wiggins, Russell's performance in the Timberwolves can only be said to be average, even Russell himself feels depressed, because in the decisive moment of the playoffs G6, Russell was pressed on the bench by the coach, watching the Timberwolves lose the game, he can only squat on the bench to watch, the feeling of being abandoned by the coach at the key moment, Russell can not feel frustrated, this is his contract year after all.
At the season wrap-up meeting, Russell was still asked about the contract extension, but Russell said that he did not like to talk about it, it would only cause trouble for himself. In addition, Russell also felt that he did not want to make a fuss about being abandoned at a critical moment, but also admitted that he felt depressed.
Through Russell's performance, it is not difficult to find a point, in fact, Russell is eager to get the maximum salary extension, but he may not have confidence himself, averaging 12 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game in the playoffs, shooting 33.3%, shooting 75% from the free throws, and Russell, who has a poor performance in the playoffs, may be hanging in the balance to get a maximum salary extension. Even in the regular season, Russell only averaged 18.1 points per game, and the shooting rate of 41.1% was too hard, and the average of 15 shots per game was completely a random shot operation.
Think about it, being pressed on the bench by the manager at a critical moment, the G6 game eliminated by the Grizzlies, Russell having 4 turnovers, 3 of 7 shooting, and only getting 27 minutes of playing time, all of which show that Russell's value is shrinking, and the maximum salary extension may not be the answer the Timberwolves want.
In addition, the Timberwolves need to consider the renewal of downs and Edwards, as soon as next summer need to make a decision, if the Timberwolves decide that the combination of Towns + Edwards as the basis for the team, then Russell wants to get the top salary extension in the Timberwolves it will be difficult, with Russell in exchange for other reliable immediate combat power, may be the timberwolves' best choice, but what the Timberwolves will do.