Warriors News: Dubs Have No Plans To Trade Russell Even If Thompson Returns

The Golden State Warriors know that they have to rebuild the franchise once more around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. One person tasked to step up is recently acquired D'Angelo Russell who is expected to fill in the void of Thompson this season.

As most know Thompson could miss majority, if not all, of the 2019-20 NBA season. The Dubs are sorely lacking in firepower, made worse by the decision of Kevin Durant to move to the Brooklyn Nets. Regardless, it would be foolish to count out the Warriors. Their performance for this season is suspect although they still have the NBA playoffs in mind.

Russell has yet to show what he can do for the Dubs. The second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft is expected to help out in the scoring department and likely aid in playmaking duties. But what does the future hold for DLO once Thompson is back in harness?

There are suggestions that the Warriors may eventually engage in an NBA trade for Russell. Once Thompson is back in the fold, some feel he would be the odd man out. Unfortunately, that is not what Golden State has in mind. The front office says that they did not invest heavily in Russell and use him short-term.

"There's a strong possibility that the Warriors want their newest big acquisition for seasons beyond this one," Ethan Strauss of The Athletic reported. "Their front-office leaders, Joe Lacob and Bob Myers both, are as smitten with him as any team that just selected a top-five player in the draft."

Russell's playing time will be heavy for as long as Thompson is out. Even if the 29-year-old guard does return, Thompson is expected to need ample time to get back into the groove. Hence, the 2019-20 NBA season should see Russell logging in heavy minutes. But the scenario will change next NBA season when Thompson is expected to be back at 100-percent health.

The only thing sure is that the Warriors don't intend to trade Russell soon. A lot depends on his performance this coming season and how well he fits into the Dubs' system.

"We didn't sign him with the intention of just trading him," said general manager Bob Myers in a report from NBC Sports Bay Area.