The Mavs, who are short on money, have turned to D’Angelo Russell to help them build a new team without Irving, who is hurt, and with hot talent Cooper Flagg.
D’Angelo Russell was signed by the Dallas Mavericks to help fill the gap left by Kyrie Irving’s long-term injury and to lead a new team that includes both established stars and up-and-coming ones.
When NBA free agency opened Monday, the Mavericks had a clear priority: find a starting-caliber point guard to steady the ship in Irving’s absence.
How long will Kyrie Irving be out for?
With the All-Star expected to miss most—if not all—of the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL in his left knee, Dallas needed someone with experience, poise under pressure, and enough playmaking spark to keep the team’s revamped rotation balanced.
Gone are the days when Luka Dončić shouldered the entire playmaking load. Under head coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks have restructured their approach, and that includes diversifying the backcourt.
D’Angelo Russell’s Mavericks contract: salary and length
NBA insider Marc Stein reported hours before free agency officially began that D’Angelo Russell was close to finalizing a deal with the Mavericks. That news became official shortly after the market opened. Russell, 29, signed a two-year, $13 million contract to join his fifth NBA team. After finishing last season with the Nets—his second stint with the franchise—Russell became an unrestricted free agent. He’s also had stops in Los Angeles (twice), Golden State, and Minnesota.
Though last season was statistically his least productive (12.6 points per game on 39% shooting), Dallas GM Nico Harrison believes in Russell’s ability to bounce back.
D’Angelo Russell’s Mavericks contract: salary and length
NBA insider Marc Stein reported hours before free agency officially began that D’Angelo Russell was close to finalizing a deal with the Mavericks. That news became official shortly after the market opened. Russell, 29, signed a two-year, $13 million contract to join his fifth NBA team. After finishing last season with the Nets—his second stint with the franchise—Russell became an unrestricted free agent. He’s also had stops in Los Angeles (twice), Golden State, and Minnesota.
Though last season was statistically his least productive (12.6 points per game on 39% shooting), Dallas GM Nico Harrison believes in Russell’s ability to bounce bac back
What the Mavs anticipate from Russell in his position His versatility will be an asset to the Mavericks. Among the most fascinating? Getting back together with Anthony Davis, a former Lakers teammate and the star of Dallas’ latest lavish venture. In their pursuit of rapid team unity, such chemistry may prove to be pivotal for the Mavericks. As a rookie, Cooper Flagg was the most talked-about American talent in years, and Russell has the daunting task of assisting with his integration into the team. Flagg, Davis, and Russell will all start, as Kidd has already stated. During Flagg’s first press conference, the head coach made a joke about how he wants to use the youngster as a stand-in for Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player he helped develop during his time coaching in Milwaukee.
Dallas now has one of the most exciting starting fives in the Western Conference, thanks to Russell at point guard, Klay Thompson at shooting guard, Gregg at three, Davis at four, and Derrick Lively in the middle. Spencer Dinwiddie, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and P.J. Washington are all solid bench options, so it’s reasonable to assume that last season’s 39-43 record was an anomaly.
The Mavericks have a blend of veteran and young talent, so they could be ready to make a fresh start—and create a new chapter in the Western Conference playoff race.
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