The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly emerged as a “leading suitor” for veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell, signaling the franchise’s intent to bolster its backcourt depth and offensive versatility ahead of the upcoming NBA season. With free agency looming and several teams looking to add proven talent, the Mavericks’ interest in Russell comes at a pivotal time for both the player and the organization.
Russell, a former All-Star and second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, is coming off a rollercoaster stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. While he showed flashes of his offensive brilliance during the 2023–24 season—averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists per game—his inconsistency in high-pressure moments and defensive shortcomings led to a mixed reception among Lakers fans and front-office personnel alike. His future with the Lakers has been uncertain since the team’s early playoff exit, and it now appears that Dallas may offer him a fresh start and an important role on a contending team.
The Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals this past season before falling to the Boston Celtics, have a strong foundation led by superstar Luka Dončić and dynamic guard Kyrie Irving. However, their lack of depth at the guard position beyond those two has been a noticeable gap, especially when either star rests or misses time due to injury. Adding a player like Russell could give Dallas a much-needed offensive spark off the bench or even allow for flexible, multi-guard lineups that can spread the floor and create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
D’Angelo Russell’s skill set aligns well with the Mavericks’ offensive philosophy. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, particularly from three-point range, and his ability to run pick-and-rolls effectively, Russell could serve as a third playmaker who can initiate offense, relieve pressure from Dončić and Irving, and provide scoring in isolation or spot-up situations. His experience and scoring ability also make him an asset in late-game scenarios, where Dallas at times struggled to maintain momentum when relying too heavily on its stars.
One of the key challenges for the Mavericks will be managing the financial aspects of bringing Russell in. The team has several key players already on significant contracts, including Dončić, Irving, and emerging center Dereck Lively II, whose role is expected to grow even further in the coming season. While Russell’s market value has declined slightly due to past playoff struggles, he is still expected to command a multi-year deal with a respectable salary—likely in the range of $15–20 million annually.
If Dallas is able to structure the deal creatively, possibly via a sign-and-trade or with
