Klay Thompson ACL Timeline Sets Warriors up Perfectly Should They Want to Trade D'Angelo Russell

The Golden State Warriors recently acquired guard D'Angelo Russell from the Brooklyn Nets in a sign-and-trade deal. But with a hefty four-year, $117 million contract and a ball-dominant mindset that would be hard to make room for beside Steph Curry and the returning Klay Thompson, it seems that Russell won't be in Golden State for too long.

Thompson's return from his ACL injury is could come in early December, should things go well. The Warriors will be eligible to trade Russell by Dec. 15. Coincidence? Maybe. Good timing? Definitely!

The Warriors are looking heavily into their future while trying to remain a contender at the moment. Buzz suggested that Russell doesn't fit into their long-term plans, but he's a phenomenal replacement for Thompson for the time being. This small roster move will help the Dubs stay relevant in the early going after the losses of Thompson to injury, Kevin Durant to the Nets and Andrew Iguodala via trade.

Once Klay returns, the Warriors can trade Russell for another big need or more assets.

Russell will be a waste of cap space if he's unable to mesh, and it seems as if that's how the Warriors are treating the situation at the moment.

Either way, it's a win-win for them unless Russell bombs during the first few months of the season and is untradeable.