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D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets runs back after hitting a three point basket in an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on March 13, 2018 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Click through the slideshow for 10 things you didn’t know about D’Angelo Russell. lessD’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets runs back after hitting a three point basket in an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on March 13, 2018 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New … more
Photo: Paul Bereswill / Getty Images
Photo: Paul Bereswill / Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors’ acquisition of D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets left Warriors fans in shock, but Russell said he knew in advance playing for the Warriors could be a possibility.
“It was a lot of surprises just all around throughout free agency, so I think it was just one to add to it, honestly,” Russell said with a smile Monday night while speaking to the media for the first time as a member of the Warriors.
When asked if things moved quickly after Kevin Durant chose to sign with the Nets or if he knew about potentially playing for the Warriors in the days leading up to the start of free agency, Russell said, “Yeah, I knew it was an opportunity. I knew it was something that could possibly be true, I had to wait until a few other pieces did what they did, and then it just came to the light.”
MORE: 10 things you probably didn’t know about D’Angelo Russell
Russell was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal that materialized after Durant decided to leave the Bay Area for Brooklyn; Russell cannot be traded again until December 15. Russell says he understands there’s a chance he could be on the move again sometime soon.
“That’s the business of it, it is what it is,” Russell said Monday night while speaking to the media for the first time as a member of the Warriors. “You put yourself in position to go somewhere for a long period of time and it may not be what it is a year later, and that’s the business.”
Many have questioned whether Russell — who is primarily a pick-and-roll scorer — is a fit for Steve Kerr’s offensive scheme. Others have questioned whether Russell could play in a backcourt next to Stephen Curry given the fact that neither of the two is known for his defensive prowess.
ALSO: Why the Warriors gave up so much to land D’Angelo Russell
“I know the business side of it, so we’ll just see,” Russell said of his long-term future with Golden State. “I can’t predict it.”
Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email: [email protected] | Twitter:@_ericting
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