Clippers Rumors: D'Angelo Russell, Christian Wood Monitored Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Clippers have been "monitoring" both Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood and Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Stein previously reported the Clippers, entering Saturday fifth in the Western Conference with a 29-26 record, were hoping to upgrade both the frontcourt and backcourt before the deadline.

Point guard could be the team's biggest need with John Wall out with an abdominal injury, and Kawhi Leonard reportedly told the front office he would "welcome a point guard addition," per Matt Moore of Action Network.

Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry were listed as potential options, although Russell could be an even bigger addition after averaging 18.1 points and 6.2 assists per game through 52 starts this season.

The Timberwolves have been up and down, although Russell discussed the possibility of being traded earlier this season.

"You either take advantage of me and my ability, or f--k up the opportunity with me," Russell told Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports in December. "It's as simple as that."

With free agency on the horizon, the Timberwolves could deal the one-time All-Star for an asset to help in the long term.

Wood is also heading into free agency and has been sidelined by a thumb injury the last two weeks. He's still averaged 18.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this year and would provide a significant scoring boost alongside Leonard and Paul George.

With the Mavericks linked to Kyrie Irving, they could move Wood and get a different look for the stretch run of the season.