D'Angelo Russell Rumors: Rivals Believe T-Wolves Will Try to Trade PG Before Deadline

The Minnesota Timberwolves may be planning to move on from their starting point guard soon.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, "rival NBA executives believe" the Timberwolves will look to explore deals for D'Angelo Russell prior to the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Russell is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Scotto noted that the 26-year-old and Minnesota "were apart on the possibility of a contract extension." He's likely to be highly sought-after on the open market, so it would be wise for the Timberwolves to try to recoup assets instead of losing him for nothing.

Last month, Russell addressed his involvement in trade rumors, telling Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, "You either take advantage of me and my ability, or f--k up the opportunity with me. It's as simple as that."

The 2015 No. 2 overall pick is averaging 17.6 points, his lowest since his third year in the NBA, but he's shooting a career-high 46.4 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range. He's also averaging a team-high 6.3 assists for Minnesota, which sits eighth in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record.

According to Scotto, the Timberwolves had conversations with the Miami Heat about a trade involving Russell and veteran point guard Kyle Lowry dating back to the G League Showcase. However, the Heat no longer appear to be interested in moving Lowry after a recent 7-3 stretch moved them to 28-22, good for sixth in the East.

In the midst of a mediocre season, Minnesota appears to need some major changes to contend for a playoff spot. The team is still awaiting the return of star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been out since Nov. 28 with a calf injury.