The Minnesota Timberwolves made a flurry of moves this offseason, and D’Angelo Russell benefits the most from these changes. Here’s why the one-time All-Star is set to have a career year this season.

Russell will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, barring a contract extension. The last time he was entering a contract year, he was nominated to his first and only All-Star Game.

Multiple factors went into his 2018-19 season but playing for his next deal played a role in his production.

Another reason was playing alongside Jarrett Allen, who’s a rim-running big. Karl-Anthony Towns can do that, but he’s much better at setting the screen and popping out for an easy 3.

When there’s a big who can roll to the rim, it not only creates a lob threat, but it opens up multiple avenues for DLo. If the pass isn’t there, it means Russell and Rudy Gobert’s man are guarding the lob. This creates an easy layup or midrange shot for Russell.

The Timberwolves traded for Gobert, who is arguably the best pick and roll threat in the NBA.

Here’s how DLo and Allen functioned in pick and roll in Brooklyn. Imagine this but at a more elite level with Gobert on the floor.

Russell had a great season for the Timberwolves last year, but it was overshadowed by some inconsistency and his playoff performances. Getting benched in an elimination game will forever be engrained in Minnesota fans’ brains.

Last season, he averaged 18.1 points, 7.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. His points per game will likely fall this year, but I don’t think it’s crazy to say he will average double-digit assists.

Gobert isn’t the only threat Russell can pass to. He will also have Towns, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels open for shots. That’s not even including some of the bench guys like Jaylen Nowell and Kyle Anderson.

There’s no guarantee but adding Gobert benefits Russell the most moving forward. He plays a lot better with a rim running big, and the last time he was playing on a contract year, he had an All-Star season.

Maybe he doesn’t get a free trip to Utah, but having an All-Star caliber season is not out of the question.