D'Angelo Russell was reportedly looking for a four-year extension worth around $100 million when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources told Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports.

Russell was acquired by the Lakers in February. He struggled in the playoffs and scored just 25 points total in the Lakers series against the Nuggets.

Despite the struggles, sources added that Russell was viewed as a positive presence around the team. 

D'Angelo Russell returned to the Los Angeles Lakers at the deadline ahead of his free agency. Russell wasn't surprised the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to trade him after giving up Andrew Wiggins and a first round pick to acquire him in 2020.

"I felt they couldn’t pay me, so I kind of expected it," said Russell. "I felt like I was gonna outplay my (Timberwolves) offer, whatever they wanted to offer me, and then I’d be in a position where I’d have to make a decision. And I just kind of held my cards tight and let the basketball Gods take over."

Sam Amick of The Athletic asked whether Russell asked for a trade from the Wolves. 

"No, I never asked out," said Russell. "Never. I just felt that (I wanted out) in my gut. I never spoke on it. I never showed that; I just felt it. That’s all."

Russell was asked whether he wants to re-sign with the Lakers.

"I would love to stay here, but I would have loved to be in Minnesota too," said Russell. "So wherever my feet are, that’s where I’m gonna be."

The NBA announced that the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will play in the 2023 Abu Dhabi Games. The Mavs and Wolves will meet in preseason matchups on October 5 and October 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks played a pair of preseason games in the Arabian Gulf ahead of this past regular season. The NBA and Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi have entered a multiyear collaboration to increase the NBA's visibility in the United Arab Emirates.