On May 3, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs continued. Earlier today, Marc Stein reported that the future of Timberwolves star Russell is becoming uncertain, with multiple competing teams expecting him to be put on the shelves by the Timberwolves in the offseason.
In the first round of this year's playoffs, the Timberwolves were eliminated by the Grizzlies 2-4 and missed the Western Conference semifinals. Russell started in six games and averaged 32.7 minutes per game, but only had 12 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.5 steals, averaged 2.8 turnovers per game, shot just 33.3 percent from the field, and shot 38.7 percent from three-point range. Obviously, such a performance is difficult to satisfy the team.
According to Marc Stein, in the Timberwolves' G6 out, Russell was put on the bench by coach Finch in the deciding stage, and he only played two minutes in the final quarter and only had 7 points and 4 assists in the game. This partly proves that his position with the Timberwolves is not secure. Despite Russell's close ties to Towns, multiple competing teams expect the Timberwolves to consider trading them this summer. Russell, who currently has a year left on his contract with the Timberwolves and a salary of $31.4 million next season, is eligible to renew his contract early with the team this summer.
It is worth mentioning that at the end of the season, Russell said: "I think we played a very successful season, maybe the ending is not what we wanted, but I think we worked hard to participate in the competition. We've made really big strides throughout the season and that's been a huge help for us personally as well. However, when asked about the early renewal, Russell bluntly said that he did not want to talk about it.
As the 2015 debut, although Russell is only 26 years old this year, he has already played for the Lakers, Nets, Warriors and Timberwolves.