Russell appeared in 20 games for the Sparks this season, serving as the primary backup to Azurá Stevens. In those appearances, the 2018 second-round pick averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game. The decision to waive Russell gives the Sparks added roster flexibility in the short term. And with Cameron Brink closing in on a return from her torn ACL, the 6-foot-6 post was likely to get squeezed out of the rotation.