D’Angelo Russell heading to MEM is six-team trade

The second overall pick in the 2019 draft, Morant’s time in Memphis has come to an end. While there were certainly high points, most notably his winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 and making two All-Star teams, the inability to stay healthy and off-court issues ultimately led the Grizzlies to seek a way to move on. Morant appeared in 20 games last season, averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 three-pointers. With the Trail Blazers having Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday on the roster, it’s fair to wonder if this will be Morant’s final destination. He’ll likely need a move to a third team to protect his fantasy ceiling in 2026-27.

Appearing on ESPN Radio, Windhorst described Morant as “flagrantly available” in trade talks. The Grizzlies are determined to move Morant, who Windhorst says he can’t see playing for the organization again. Memphis has had difficulty finding a trade partner at the moment due to the two seasons left on Morant’s contract, which is viewed as a negative. At this point, the Grizzlies will likely have to take on a bad contract to move Morant.

Acquired from the Mavericks as part of the Anthony Davis trade at the February deadline, Russell never suited up for the Wizards last season. And that was with Trae Young unavailable on most nights. Add in Bub Carrington being on the roster, and it’s highly unlikely that Russell plays for the Wizards next season. Regardless of where he lands, there is not much to gain from rostering D’Lo in fantasy leagues.

Morant received a PRP injection to help with his recovery and is expected to make a fill recovery ahead of next season. He hasn’t played since Jan. 21, so this update isn’t surprising. Ty Jerome, Cam Spencer, Walter Clayton Jr. and Javon Small will continue to fill out the point guard minutes for the rest of the year.

This has Morant being re-evaluated around March 19, which means he will miss at least two months with this injury. There is a chance he returns shortly after, but this could be nearing the end of the fantasy playoffs in many leagues. Memphis still has plenty of depth at point guard, with Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer and Walter Clayton Jr. also playing large roles with Morant out.

Morant last appeared in a game on January 21, and the Grizzlies announced on Wednesday that he will be out at least two more weeks before being re-evaluated. The point guard is still dealing with discomfort in his left elbow, which is why he needs more rehab time. With Morant down, the Grizzlies will continue to rely on Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cam Spencer to handle the playmaking responsibilities. Jerome offers the highest fantasy ceiling of the three.

Russell has yet to join the Wizards since being sent to the nation’s capital as part of the Anthony Davis trade. And it’s fair to wonder if the veteran guard is a buyout candidate, given the number of young perimeter players on the roster. There’s no need to roster Russell in fantasy leagues.

Russell has been out of the rotation for most of the season in Dallas, and now he’ll join the rebuilding Wizards. It is unlikely that he is given any meaningful minutes, unless the Wizards feel he isn’t going to help them win too many games. Russell could certainly be a buyout candidate, which may be the only path for him to make an impact this season.

The firsts include the Thunder pick in 2026 and a protected Warriors pick in 2030. Davis is set to be re-evaluated in late February, but managers shouldn’t expect to see him play much down the stretch as the Wizards look to improve their lottery odds. However, Davis joins Trae Young and a talented young core in Washington, and they should add another top pick this summer. Davis will form an elite defensive tandem down low with Alex Sarr that should allow Washington to return to the postseason as early as 2027, assuming they plan to keep him around.

While Russell’s availability doesn’t significantly impact fantasy basketball, the Mavericks are down another guard with Brandon Williams also ruled out with a leg injury. Ryan Nembhard could see meaningful usage in the backcourt while Cooper Flagg handles most of the point guard duties.