SerpApi.Org
D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on July 8 as part of a wild six-team trade that also involved the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The deal sent Khris Middleton back to Washington via sign-and-trade, with the veteran sharpshooter signing a three-year, $17.6 million deal to remain with the Wizards, while Russell landed in Memphis, along with a 2029 second-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Dallas got Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser, and the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic. The Pistons received John Collins, Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris, and the Bucks walked away with Caris LeVert and two future second-round picks via Detroit. Memphis also used the deal to bring in Pistons center Isaiah Stewart.
Now less than two weeks later, a new report suggests Russell’s time in Memphis may already be nearing its end. According to Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko, Russell is not viewed as a long-term piece for the Grizzlies, and both sides are expected to work toward either a buyout or trade this offseason.
More news: LeBron James Reportedly ‘Irritated’ by Adam Silver Over Free Agency Pressure
At first glance, it may be surprising to see a former All-Star like Russell be so quickly cast aside. But it doesn’t take too long to see why this is happening.
Russell is coming off arguably the worst season of his career. In just 26 games (three starts) split between Dallas and Washington, he averaged a career-low 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, shooting 40.5% from the field and a career-worst 29.5% from deep.
Injuries limited his availability for much of the season, and he never even got to make his Wizards debut after being traded to Washington in February.
More news: Steph Curry Just Made Hall of Fame History — And He’s Not Even Retired
More news: NBA Insider Reveals Why Rival Teams Backed Off Pistons’ Jalen Duren
On top of that, Memphis is clearly moving in a more youthful direction. They’re ready to rebuild around its young core of Cameron Boozer, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells after trading away franchise star Ja Morant, and keeping a 30-year-old guard like Russell simply doesn’t make sense.
That said, when Russell inevitably becomes a free agent, or if Memphis can somehow find a trade partner with the minimal leverage they have, he should find a new home fairly quickly. He can offer any contender a cheap, experienced playmaker off the bench, and one who’s proven he can thrive in different systems.
Related Articles
