NBA Rumors: D'Angelo Russell, "jewel" who will soon be available on the market

The D'Angelo Russell era with the Memphis Grizzlies could last just a few weeks. According to Yahoo Sports, both the guard and the franchise are working together to find a solution during this summer market, either through a trade or a buyout agreement that would allow the veteran to find a new destination in the NBA.

Russell, 30, arrived in Memphis at the beginning of July as part of a massive trade involving six teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Detroit Pistons. In the deal, the Grizzlies also received center Isaiah Stewart, guard AJ Johnson, three future second-round Draft picks, a conditional first-round pick, and a second-round pick swap.

Doesn't fit in the rebuilding plan

The reality is that Russell has never been seen as a long-term piece in Memphis. The franchise is focused on rebuilding around young talents like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and the 2026 3rd overall Draft pick, Cameron Boozer, making the veteran guard's profile incompatible with the team's sports management direction.

Moreover, the Grizzlies face a significant roster space issue after a very active summer, with 21 players under contract, including the two-way deals with Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack.

Coward's and Boozer's performances during the Summer League further reinforced Memphis's commitment to the future. Coward averaged 19 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Boozer was named to the All-Tournament Team, also helping the Grizzlies reach the final.

A challenging season

Russell is coming off a very quiet season. He only played 25 games with the Dallas Mavericks last season, where he was initially expected to bring experience to the playmaking role and assist in the development of then-rookie Cooper Flagg.

However, he started in just three games and lost prominence in Jason Kidd's rotation, surpassed by players like Ryan Nembhard or Brandon Williams. Eventually, he was traded to the Washington Wizards at the February deadline and later exercised his player option to receive the $6 million owed in the final year of his contract.

If he leaves Memphis, Russell will have been through four different franchises in just two years.

Still in demand in the NBA

Despite recent ups and downs, several teams may be interested in his services. Russell boasts 11 seasons in the NBA and over 30 playoff games, averaging 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game throughout his career, with shooting percentages of 42.7% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range, and 79.3% from the free-throw line.

His playmaking skills and experience remain attractive assets for teams in need of a veteran point guard, though concerns about his consistency, offensive efficiency, and defensive performance have affected his value in recent years.

Selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2015 Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers after his college career at Ohio State, Russell has donned the jerseys of Lakers, Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Wizards, and Grizzlies, although signs point to his stint in Memphis ending even before officially playing a game for the Tennessee franchise.

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