NBA Teams Should Conspire Not to Trade for D'Angelo Russell in Order to Screw the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have been at the top of the food chain for long enough. Now that they've finally faced some adversity in the form of Klay Thompson's injury, losing the NBA Finals, watching Kevin Durant leave in free agency, and trading Andre Iguodala, the Warriors seem like they're starting to make some of the desperate decisions that mark a dynasty on the verge of toppling.

One of those decisions came to fruition late Monday night when they agreed to acquire D'Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

Now, the Dubs are apparently looking to deal Russell as soon as possible once the sign-and-trade becomes official. That presents a host of intriguing possibilities-- but the rest of the league should consider this an opportunity of a different kind.

If anyone around the NBA wants to see the Warriors' empire fall unequivocally, they should stand pat and force Golden State to keep Russell. Sure, D-Lo is a very talented player, but he is hardly a fit on this Warriors roster, and could potentially hinder the team both financially and on the court.

Russell is a ball-dominant guard with questionable perimeter defense, which is not at all what the defending Western Conference champions needed in the post-Durant/Iguodala era, particularly given Thompson's ACL injury. Their money would have been more prudently spent on wings who can score and defend, but in terms of free agency, that ship has largely sailed now.

If the Warriors are forced to keep D-Lo, they will be stuck with a third max contract and virtually no financial flexibility for the foreseeable future. That should excite a lot of rivals utterly tired of their five straight NBA Finals runs.

There aren't too many fans outside of the Bay area who want to see the Warriors continue their monopoly on Western Conference success. If other NBA teams really want to screw Golden State over, they should stay out of the D'Angelo Russell sweepstakes.