The Memphis Grizzlies and guard D’Angelo Russell are expected to work together toward a split that sends the veteran to a new home this offseason, according to sources. Meanwhile, the split could come through either a trade or a buyout agreement.
Russell arrived in Memphis earlier this month as part of a six-team trade that also involved Milwaukee, Washington, Dallas, the LA Clippers and Detroit. Consequently, the Grizzlies also landed center Isaiah Stewart, guard AJ Johnson, three future second-round picks, a conditional first-round pick and a second-round swap.
Russell’s Rocky Run in Dallas
Last season, Russell appeared in just 26 games for the Mavericks, falling out of the rotation behind Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams under former head coach Jason Kidd. He was expected to help develop then-rookie Cooper Flagg, but instead started only three games. Washington later acquired him at the February trade deadline, and he opted into the final year of his contract worth roughly six million dollars in June. As a result, Memphis would mark his fourth team in two years.
Why Memphis Isn’t the Right Fit
Russell’s veteran timeline simply doesn’t match a rebuilding Grizzlies roster built around Cedric Coward, Zach Edey and No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer. Indeed, both Coward and Boozer stood out in Las Vegas, with Coward averaging 19 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds while Boozer earned first-team Summer League honors. Additionally, Memphis is managing a roster crunch with 21 players currently under contract.
For his career, Russell has averaged 17 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists on strong shooting splits, showing he can still be an effective creator when given the ball. However, efficiency and shot distribution have challenged him during recent stops in Los Angeles, Brooklyn and Dallas, along with his overall defensive impact. Even so, given his experience and playmaking, Russell should still draw interest around the league once he becomes available.
Originally, the Lakers drafted Russell second overall out of Ohio State in 2015. Since then, he has spent 11 seasons with the Lakers, Timberwolves, Nets, Warriors and Mavericks, and a move away from Memphis would add yet another stop to an increasingly well-traveled career.
