The Mavericks have emerged as a number one potential free agent vacation spot for veteran guard D’Angelo Russell, sources inform Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Twitter hyperlink).
The Mavericks would possible solely have the ability to supply Russell the NBA’s taxpayer mid-level exception, value an estimated $5.7MM in 2025/26, given their present cap scenario. Nonetheless, Dallas might give the Ohio State alum the chance to start out at level guard till nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL tear.
Whereas a lot might change this offseason, the Mavericks’ roster doesn’t challenge to be heavy on play-makers or backcourt depth even as soon as Irving returns, so Russell would possible nonetheless be in line for important run on a totally wholesome Dallas crew.
Splitting his 2024/25 season between the Lakers and Nets, the 29-year-old averaged 12.6 PPG, 5.1 APG and a pair of.8 RPG throughout 58 wholesome video games. His 39.0% mark on pictures from the ground and 31.4% fee on three-point makes an attempt had been effectively under his stronger profession taking pictures line of .427/.365/.796.
Dallas will have the ability to supply Russell or one other free agent level guard greater than the veteran’s minimal largely attributable to the truth that Irving’s new three-year, $119MM contract will function a extra team-friendly cap hit in 2025/26 than his now-declined $43MM participant choice, Stein observes.
Russell is one in every of a number of free agent level guards who has been linked to the Mavericks this week, together with fellow former All-Star Chris Paul, plus Dennis Schröder and Malcolm Brogdon. The Kings are rumored to be a number one suitor for Schröder.
