James Cooley
Staff Writer
It’s getting deep into the NBA season and the trade deadline this season has shocked many as the second half of the season approaches. These moves could have potentially put some teams in the playoffs for years to come or even be a championship contender.
D’Angelo Russell, who was not too long ago was traded to the Warriors this past off-season, was the topic of discussion this past weekend.
Throughout this season the Warriors seemed to realize that Russell wouldn’t fit in with the team in the absence of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson who are out for the season. Russell was recently traded to the Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and secured draft picks in 2021.
The Warriors also traded players such as Jacob Evans and Omari Spelman, but the fact that D’Angelo Russell would be teaming up with Karl Anthony Towns, a wellknown friend of his in the league is next level. The two being paired will be easy for them since they already have a brotherhood off the court and it shouldn’t be no reason for them to not transition it to the court.
The Timberwolves gaining Russell could now set up a future young team that could potentially bring a championship to Minnesota. With Minnesota trying to get a title in the future, the Warriors are trying to get the pieces they need to get right back to contention for another championship after their recent loss this past summer.
Andrew Wiggins is the piece they chose to possibly fill the spot of their former small forward, Andre Iguodala. Wiggins has the potential to average 20 plus points per game and guard the opposing team’s best player. His two-way game is exactly what the Warriors need to propel them back into being a factor in the Western conference.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will be back on the court again next year and with Wiggins being inserted with Draymond Green’s defensive mentality, Wiggins could be learning from the best.The Warriors being healthy brings a whole different type of vibe to the team. Their health has been questionable as of late and that might be why they’re rebuilding now.
Andre Iguodola was also traded to the Miami Heat to team up with Jimmy Butler. Iguodola has a defensive mindset to go along with his slashing ability on offense. His game along with Butler’s and the young talent that Miami has gives them more than a chance to come out of the Eastern conference. The Heat’s defense has definitely increased since this trade and they’re definitely equipped to compete at a high level for the remainder of the season.
As the second half of the season approaches, teams are gearing up in the best way they can to compete. A lot of teams scored big at the trade deadline and some teams were left with nothing but the reality of trying again next season.
Bryan Crosby, a junior accounting major from Chicago, Ill., is looking forward to seeing what the new looked Timberwolves can do next season.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what D’Angelo can do with Karl Anthony Towns and see what he can do with someone on his team he has full trust in,” said Crosby.
Devin Williams, a sophomore Biology major from Hattiesburg Miss., can’t wait to see what his childhood team will do in the future.
“I have been a Heat fan since Dwayne Wade was playing and I hope that the likes of Andre Iguodola and Jimmy Butler could get us closer to winning another championship,” said Williams.
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