Nets trade D’Angelo Russell to Warriors

MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of signing their new Big Three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan, the Brooklyn Nets have traded All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell to the Golden State Warriors. 

The Nets will first sign Russell to a four-year, $117-million contract before shipping him to the Warriors along with fellow guards Treveon Graham and Shabazz Napier, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. 

Warriors are on verge of acquiring Russell, Treveon Graham and Shabazz Napier from Brooklyn, league sources said. https://t.co/4HefUBSNQA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Warriors will also unload former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies to accommodate Russell’s new contract.

Golden State is trading Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, league source tells ESPN. Warriors are sending a 2024 protected first-round pick in the 2024 (protected 1-4), 2025 (protected 1) and 2026 unprotected.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

Russell blossomed in his second season in Brooklyn, averaging 21.1 points and 7 assists en route to an All-Star selection and a finalist spot for the 2019 Most Improved Player award.

Now with the Warriors, the 6-foot-5 Russell is expected to slide in at the shooting guard position, while Klay Thompson will move up to small forward in the wake of Durant’s departure.

He had previously been playing both guard spots in Brooklyn to accommodate the playing time of Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Russell was a former second overall pick and starting point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, playing alongside Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle. – Rappler.com