NBA Trade Deadline 2020: The 20 best players available

9. D’Angelo Russell — G, Golden State Warriors — Salary of $27,285,000

Perhaps it’s controversial placing Russell so low on this list, below one-dimensional role players like Bertans, but there are possible downsides for a team trading for Russell. He is turnover-prone. He isn’t a high-efficiency scorer, which can be a problem for a player who commands such a share of the offense. He doesn’t take enough shots at the rim, and he takes too many shots in the mid-range. He is a high-usage guard, which is harder to fit onto a new team than a simple plug-and-play spot-up shooter. These are potential risks, but those downsides are far from certainties.

Russell’s skill is a certainty. He is an excellent shooter, even if his shot choices can be questionable. He is an elite passer. He is among the best pick-and-roll maestros in the league, with a good change of pace, pull-up shooting, and wizard-level passing with either hand. He has good feel. For teams that need a point guard, Russell fits the bill. The Orlando Magic could use him, if they still want to contend this year after losing Jonathan Isaac for likely the whole season. He is in the first year of a four-year deal, so the Magic would be buying a point guard for the long-term future.

The Golden State Warriors have shown no qualms in trading players. Just ask Andre Iguodala. If the Warriors think Russell won’t fit long-term beside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, they’ll sell him to the highest bidder. But it will likely cost positive future assets, despite his high salary.