Memphis is poised to move veteran guard D'Angelo Russell, either through a trade or a buyout, as the franchise reshapes its roster. The former second-overall pick was acquired from Washington this offseason and will earn $5.9 million in the final year of his contract.
Russell appeared in 26 games with the Dallas Mavericks last season, posting 10.2 points and 4.0 assists per game. His career averages stand at 17.0 points and 5.6 assists in the regular season and 14.2 points with 4.8 assists in the playoffs. Those numbers are a step below his All-Star peak, but they remain respectable for a guard who has logged stints with the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, Timberwolves and Mavericks.
The Grizzlies’ front office has already reshaped the roster, moving Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz and Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers. The post-Morant core now centers on 2026 third-overall pick Cameron Boozer, who captured the Player of the Year award in college with 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 55.6 % from the field, 39.1 % from three and 78.9 % from the line. In Summer League, Boozer averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 45.2 % overall, 33.3 % from three and 77.3 % from the free-throw line, earning a spot on the First Team and helping Memphis reach the championship game.
Russell’s skill set, mid-range shooting, ball-handling and secondary playmaking, does not dovetail with Memphis’ emerging identity, which emphasizes interior versatility and transition defense anchored by a 6-foot-10 Boozer who can handle the ball, stretch-four Cedric Coward and defensive-oriented backcourt players such as Zach Edey. Retaining Russell would limit minutes for the young frontcourt and constrain the development of the team’s new nucleus.
If a trade cannot be arranged, a buyout would free Russell to sign elsewhere while Memphis clears $5.9 million in cap space and opens a roster spot for its developing talent. The decision underscores the Grizzlies’ commitment to building around youth and flexibility, even as Russell’s career numbers remain solid.
Ultimately, moving D'Angelo Russell aligns with Memphis’ long-term rebuild strategy. The franchise has shifted its focus from established veterans to a roster built around emerging players like Boozer, Coward and Edey, betting that flexibility and positional versatility will drive future success.
