The Mavericks have emerged as a leading potential free agent destination for veteran guard D’Angelo Russell, sources inform Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Twitter link).
The Mavericks would likely only be able to offer Russell the NBA’s taxpayer mid-level exception, worth an estimated $5.7MM in 2025/26, given their current cap situation. Still, Dallas could give the Ohio State alum the opportunity to start at point guard until nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL tear.
While much could change this offseason, the Mavericks’ roster doesn’t project to be heavy on play-makers or backcourt depth even once Irving returns, so Russell would likely still be in line for significant run on a fully healthy Dallas team.
Splitting his 2024/25 season between the Lakers and Nets, the 29-year-old averaged 12.6 PPG, 5.1 APG and 2.8 RPG across 58 healthy games. His 39.0% mark on shots from the floor and 31.4% rate on three-point attempts were well below his stronger career shooting line of .427/.365/.796.
Dallas will be able to offer Russell or another free agent point guard more than the veteran’s minimum largely due to the fact that Irving’s new three-year, $119MM contract will feature a more team-friendly cap hit in 2025/26 than his now-declined $43MM player option, Stein observes.
Russell is one of several free agent point guards who has been linked to the Mavericks this week, along with fellow former All-Star Chris Paul, plus Dennis Schröder and Malcolm Brogdon. The Kings are rumored to be a leading suitor for Schröder.
I don’t know how he’s still in the league.
He’s still pretty talented
He’s an undersized shooting guard who can’t play defense and his shooting is getting worse.
You’re asking why he’s still in the league. Obviously he’s not good enough to be a starter anymore. But when guys like Ish Smith are getting roster spots for over a decade, Russell is still more talented than guys like that without putting in a lot of effort.
As long as you are not counting on him for playoff minutes he provides decent regular season minutes for a team in need.
He can help u win games…just can’t be ur
Focal point on offense…
He can lead a 2 unit offense the bench or be a pretty good 7th man…
Kid can shoot…very streaky
He’s there for when an actual NBA PG gets hurt and is out for the year. He might actually go to Indy now.
Indy or Milwaukee could be good fits for him as well
He somehow has a fan base…
Desperate teams like the Mavs need something to sell their fans…
Cool?
Would be horrible call for Mavs. This guy is great for TikTok highlights but doesn’t impact winning. Much rather go for Schroeder instead
In that race, I’d rather be in the back of the pack.
Well, at least at this PC, nobody will have to hear Nico say defense wins championships.
So are they say he is coming on a league minimum deal?
He’s interested in returning to Brooklyn which will most likely be a very young team even if they only keep 4 of their 6 picks. They’ll probably be able to give him more than other teams would.
Mavs make a lotta sense, he’s an inns eater and has good/great chemistry with AD. He’s also an excellent passer and spot up shooter, you just need to limit his dribbles and pt to 25 mins or less
They dont need a PF/C or SG with their 5.7 exception, there are no SF’s worthy, so PG makes a lotta sense to use the exception on
There should be a good b/u vet min avail too this year to pair if Dinwiddie walks but I think they give to the small bump to him and retain him too. Those 2 with the talent surrounding can get them in the top 6 and hopefully Irving returns for playoffs
Either Russell or Schroeder would get the job done reasonably well, which is really all they can ask for at this point.
Id prefer DS but I have him clearing the 5.7 mark so N/A
Yea make sure a Russell deal is only 1 year and its a nice outgoing salary if your getting positive news on KI at the trade deadline
Mavs just continue to make silly decisions…
Mavs, resist to urge to sign this trash can. He will literally stand up and just watch as his assignment walks by and dunks.
Good pickup for Dallas, makes sense
Thought Nico priorities D?
Makes total sense…he and A.D have great chemistry…pick n roll will be off the chart for not just A.D but Lively and Gafford. Would be a smart move
Not a big Russell guy. But he makes sense here. One yr deal TO on second yr.
IMO, I’d love Schroeder on the Knicks an upgrade over Payne.