D’Angelo Russell is packing his bags again. It’s a familiar routine. The 30-year-old guard, recently dumped on the Memphis Grizzlies, isn’t staying long. Sources tell Yahoo Sports that both camp and franchise are quietly working on an exit strategy. Whether it’s a buyout or another trade, Russell will be wearing a different jersey before next season tips off.
He got to Tennessee by accident. Memphis acquired him earlier this month in a chaotic, six-team blockbuster involving Milwaukee, Washington, Dallas, the Clippers, and Detroit. The Grizzlies also hoarded center Isaiah Stewart, AJ Johnson, a pile of draft picks, and a swap. Russell was just salary ballast.
It’s been a rough stretch. Last year in Dallas, he was supposed to mentor rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. He started three games. Then, Jason Kidd benched him for Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams. He got shipped to Washington in February, opted into his $6 million player option in June, and now faces joining his fourth team in two years. Talk about whiplash.
Memphis doesn’t need him. They are rebuilding. The focus is entirely on the kids: Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and third-overall pick Cameron Boozer. Coward and Boozer tore up the Vegas Summer League, dragging Memphis to the title game. Coward put up 19 points, seven assists, and four boards a night, while Boozer snagged first-team honors. Plus, the roster is bloated. Memphis has 21 guys under contract, including two-way players Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack. Someone has to go.
Where does Russell fit? That’s the puzzle. On paper, he looks like a solid floor general. His career averages—17 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds—are respectable. But the tape tells a different story. He needs the ball to be effective. When he has it, he creates. When he doesn’t, he languishes. His recent stints with the Lakers, Nets, and Mavericks exposed his defensive liabilities and his struggle to accept a lesser role in the pecking order.
There is no rush, but the writing is on the wall. A clean break serves everyone. Despite his journeyman status, some desperate contender will probably take a flyer on his high basketball IQ and veteran experience. He was the second overall pick back in 2015. Eleven seasons and five franchises later, he’s just looking for a place that actually wants him.
