D'Angelo Russell Rumors: T-Wolves Eyeing 3-Way Trade to Facilitate Warriors Deal

The Clint Capela trade rumors continue, with one potential deal discussed involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks that could facilitate another swap involving D'Angelo Russell.

Per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, trade discussions have centered on the Houston Rockets receiving Robert Covington, with Capela going to the Hawks and Brooklyn's 2020 first-round pick transferring from Atlanta to Minnesota.

O'Connor noted that by moving Covington, the T-Wolves hope to accrue enough assets to satisfy Golden State's demands for Russell, which apparently don't include protections on Minnesota's first-round draft pick.

However, O'Connor added that there's another element holding up the deal:

"Minnesota isn't offering enough draft compensation. As it stands, the Warriors have been offered Minnesota's 2020 first-round pick and Brooklyn's 2020 first-round pick, which would be sent via Atlanta as part of what is effectively a four-team trade with the Hawks and Rockets. But the Warriors want future firsts instead of picks in 2020—most importantly, they want an unprotected first-round pick in 2021, which will have a much stronger draft class than the one coming this June."

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that talks are ongoing, with the Timberwolves "orchestrating" discussions in hopes of landing Russell. However, he cautioned there is a "gulf to overcome" for a deal to be completed. 

Wojnarowski reported Sunday that the Rockets were in active discussions about potentially sending Capela to the Eastern Conference, with the Hawks and Boston Celtics mentioned as having interest.

Covington has been one of the most sought-after players leading up to Thursday's trade deadline.

Per ESPN's Zach Lowe, Covington is "as good a bet as any high-wattage player to move this week." Marc Stein of the New York Times added Minnesota is seeking two first-round picks for Covington, with the Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers among the teams expressing interest in acquiring the 29-year-old.

Minnesota has had a fascination with Russell dating back to the summer when it attempted to sign the 2019 All-Star.

Per Darren Wolfson of SKOR North, the T-Wolves attempted to engage the Nets in a sign-and-trade for Russell in June that would have sent Andrew Wiggins to Brooklyn.

When things with the Timberwolves failed to materialize, Russell went to the Warriors as part of a sign-and-trade with Brooklyn. Wes Goldberg of the Bay Area News Group reported Golden State's front office wants to see Russell and Stephen Curry play in the same backcourt together before making any decisions about a trade.

If that holds true, Russell wouldn't be traded before this offseason. Curry isn't expected to return from the broken hand he suffered on Oct. 30 until sometime in March.

Given what the Timberwolves appear to be working on right now, though, they may have at least some hope of acquiring Russell to give Karl-Anthony Towns a dominant backcourt scorer to play with.

Russell, who is signed for three more seasons, is averaging a career-high 23.8 points per game with a 38.3 three-point percentage for the Warriors.