D'Angelo

Russell

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.

A late scratch for Dallas’ January 17 game against the Jazz, Russell also sat out Monday’s win over the Knicks. His availability may affect Ryan Nembhard, who is still on a two-way contract. If the Mavericks make the undrafted rookie inactive, there will be rotation minutes for Russell. That said, there’s no need to roster him.

Russell has fallen behind Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams on the Mavericks’ depth chart, so his availability isn’t impactful in the world of fantasy hoops.

Russell is a late scratch, but with Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard healthy and available, Russell likely wouldn’t have seen meaningful minutes regardless of his status.