NBA Rumors: Why the Mavericks Went After D’Angelo Russell, According to a Team Insider

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by Cristian Andal

Former Nets guard D'Angelo Russell. Photo: NBA.com.

A member of the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff recently opened up to Spotrac reporter Keith Smith, offering insight into the team's decision to sign veteran guard D’Angelo Russell this offseason.

Dallas inked Russell to a two-year, $11.6 million deal in free agency. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a left ACL injury, Russell is expected to take over the starting point guard duties next season.

“Given Kyrie’s injury, we needed someone who could step in right away,” the anonymous Mavericks coach explained. “But we also wanted a guard who could complement Kyrie once he’s back. DLo fits that bill. Plus, his ability to play off the ball gives us flexibility with Cooper Flagg running the offense at times.”

Photo: USA Today.

Russell, a left-handed guard, has previously played for multiple NBA teams, including the Lakers (twice), Nets (twice), Warriors, and Timberwolves. Drafted second overall in 2015 out of Ohio State, he holds career averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He’s a 42.7% shooter from the field, with a 36.5% three-point clip and 79.6% success rate at the free-throw line.

Last season, Russell suited up for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, appearing in 58 games and averaging 12.6 points, 2.8 boards, and 5.1 assists. He shot 39.0% from the floor, 31.4% from deep, and 83.4% on free throws.

The 29-year-old will wear jersey No. 5 in Dallas, a team that missed the postseason last year after an NBA Finals appearance in 2024. In a major move during February, the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

“When you let go of a generational talent like Luka, it’s always going to sting,” a Mavericks executive told Smith. “But we’re confident in the group we’ve assembled. We believe with good health and the right pieces in place, we’ll be back in the mix among the Western Conference contenders. That’s our mission this season.”