Grizzlies waive D’Angelo Russell

Russell did not play at all after being traded to the Wizards at the February deadline, and he was sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Even with the Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Portland, D’Lo is not in the team’s plans moving forward. As a result, the two sides are reportedly working together to find Russell a new home, either through a trade or a contract buyout. Russell is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him slightly less than $6 million. While a capable player, D’Lo is unlikely to land in a situation where he can be fantasy-relevant next season.

The details from the reported six-team trade are still unfolding, but what’s already known is that Russell is heading to Memphis. The veteran guard had a tough 2025-26 season, playing just 26 total games with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards and never logging a minute for Washington. He’ll likely have a chance to play decent minutes for a Grizzlies team that recently traded away its superstar point guard, Ja Morant. If so, Russell could have some value in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

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.

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.

Ryan Nembhard is expected to play, and he could see significant usage with both Russell and Williams sidelined. Cooper Flagg should handle the majority of the Mavericks’ playmaking responsibilities as the de facto point guard.

D’Lo’s availability isn’t meaningful for fantasy managers due to his lack of usage in recent games. Ryan Nembhard could earn a few extra minutes behind Brandon Williams (leg) if Williams is able to take the court.

After logging 23 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s loss to the Lakers, Williams is dealing with a sore right knee. His absence would likely lead to more playing time for Ryan Nembhard, who played only four minutes against the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell may also see some action after picking up a DNP-CD.