I've always been a fan of Russ' game, he's fun to watch, plays with more heart than anyone and has become more focused as he's gone on. It was surprising to see him be one of the last free agents signed but wow, he has played with a chip on his shoulder and is playing great. Averaging 14 pts, nearly 7 rebounds and 6 assists is a great return on that choice by the Kings. He's also playing well on defense and is shooting nearly 40% from three. In short, he could be a sneaky candidate for teams during the trade deadline once his restriction is released after January 16th.

Kings: The Kings started off the year with aspirations to improve on last year but it's frankly turned into a disaster. They look to be in selling mode during trade season but with Sabonis hurt (and posting lower stats), LaVine's giant contract and giving Schroeder a 3 year contract, their assets may not return as much as they'd hoped. So why not get some value for a player on a 1 year minimum contract who they may not have had stick around past this season anyways? They swap a 37 year old player for a 20 year old player with 3 years on his contract at a low number. While Dadiet's trade value is essentially zero (hopefully not negative), the Kings would be motivated to give him playing time for two reasons: they own their FRP this season (and will likely embrace the tank, and playing more minutes to a young player is a good way to lose more) and will want to give him a chance to grow and again, he's just 20 years old. They also get a 2nd round pick (Knicks might need to add another) which isn't much but again, Westbrook was an asset who no one expected to be this good.

Knicks: One of the needs for the Knicks is a floor general for the 2nd unit, and Russ would be one of the best available. He's an excellent passer and as I said above, has been posting great numbers and playing hard. I'll also be honest and acknowledge that I've always wanted him to play for the Knicks and I think he has plenty left to give. Kolek has been playing quite well and better than expected but he's still a 2nd year player who's undersized and hasn't been playing a ton. Is that the person that the Knicks want to play during the playoffs? Russ would raise that group immediately and there's also another benefit: the Knicks actually lower their salary, which would allow them to dip into the buyout market in mid-February instead of a few days before the season ends. This would give them time to integate the player into the lineup and it would likely be a wing or a big man they add.

Depth chart: PG: Brunson, Westbrook, Kolek

SG: Deuce, Clarkson

SF: Bridges, Hart, Shamet

PF: Anunoby, Yabusuele, Diawara

C: KAT, Mitch, Hukporti