Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell is technically a member of the Wizards after being included in the Anthony Davis trade last week. However, it sounds as though his tenure with the team might end before it even begins.
General manager Will Dawkins said the front office has been in contact with Russell and his agents, but Russell won’t report to the team “as we try to figure out what’s best for him and us and our future,” per Henry J. Brown of SI (Twitter video link).
While he didn’t state it outright, Dawkins’ comments suggest the Wizards may either waive or reach a buyout agreement with Russell, who makes $5.7MM this season and holds a player option worth nearly $6MM for 2026/27.
On Sunday morning, Washington waived Dante Exum, another player included the trade. The injured guard will miss the rest of the season following December knee surgery. Exum was on a minimum-salary contract.
Russell was Dallas’ primary free agent addition last summer. The 29-year-old struggled to make an impact in 26 games (19.0 minutes per contest) with the Mavericks though, averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds on .405/.295/.717 shooting.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Russell has suited up for the Lakers (two different stints), Nets (ditto), Warriors, Timberwolves and Mavs over the course of his 11 NBA seasons. The one-time All-Star holds career averages of 17.0 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.3 RPG and 1.0 SPG on .427/.363/.793 shooting in 655 games (29.4 MPG).
Dawkins also discussed Jaden Hardy, the fourth former Mav who was sent to Washington. The fourth-year guard arrived in D.C. on Sunday and was inactive for today’s game. Hardy earns $6MM next season with a $6MM team option for ’27/28.
“Excited to have another young, scoring athlete in the mix with our young guys,” Dawkins said. “We’ll see him play a little bit towards the end of the season.”
Back to Minny?
Welcome to Europe
Hey, there always is the Canadian Elite Basketball League he could try out for.
It’s a thin line between will dawkins and Tim donaghy. Should be banned for intentionally losing.
To the Warriors instead of Lonzo Ball.
Golden State needs a ball handler and shot maker, and if Russell can reel it in like he did during his first stint with the Warriors, he’ll be a worthwhile addition.
He just can’t be a “let it fly” reckless type player. A little control and he’ll fill a need.
I don’t really see what D’Lo does better than Pat Spencer at this point.
Every year people get hyped up for the buy out market only to see trash like this or Ball hitting the market. The buyout market is like picking biggest midget…in the end you still come up short
This is an example of trash ……. only cares about a check. Doesn’t care about playing or winning. Just that guaranteed contract. Fools gold.
Made some money and immatured his way out of the league.
Will get overseas but wont last.
I think D’Lo time is up. He can’t help a contender as he does not play defense or the little things like ball movement. Teams are in tank mode want to play young guys and see if they have any keepers.