D'Angelo Russell

Friday’s news was unsurprising, as it was reported in late July that the Grizzlies were working with Russell to find the veteran point guard a new home. He appeared in 26 games for the Mavericks last season before being sent to Washington in the Anthony Davis trade. Russell never reported to Washington and was then sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Russell is unlikely to find a situation that makes him fantasy-relevant this season.

Russell did not play at all after being traded to the Wizards at the February deadline, and he was sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Even with the Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Portland, D’Lo is not in the team’s plans moving forward. As a result, the two sides are reportedly working together to find Russell a new home, either through a trade or a contract buyout. Russell is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him slightly less than $6 million. While a capable player, D’Lo is unlikely to land in a situation where he can be fantasy-relevant next season.

The details from the reported six-team trade are still unfolding, but what’s already known is that Russell is heading to Memphis. The veteran guard had a tough 2025-26 season, playing just 26 total games with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards and never logging a minute for Washington. He’ll likely have a chance to play decent minutes for a Grizzlies team that recently traded away its superstar point guard, Ja Morant. If so, Russell could have some value in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

Acquired from the Mavericks as part of the Anthony Davis trade at the February deadline, Russell never suited up for the Wizards last season. And that was with Trae Young unavailable on most nights. Add in Bub Carrington being on the roster, and it’s highly unlikely that Russell plays for the Wizards next season. Regardless of where he lands, there is not much to gain from rostering D’Lo in fantasy leagues.

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.

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.

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.

Russell is off the injury report after missing Thursday’s loss to the 76ers. However, with Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams also available, there isn’t much to gain from rostering D’Lo.

Russell has been third in the point guard pecking order for quite some time, so his absence from Thursday’s game will not affect fantasy basketball. Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams will handle the point guard role, with the player who has the “hot hand” seeing more action.

Russell has been splitting backup point guard minutes behind Brandon Williams, so there’s not much of a fantasy impact here. Ryan Nembhard would be the only backup if Russell sits, so that could make Nembhard useful in deeper fantasy formats, but he’d still likely be limited to about 25-28 minutes.

Russell is available after a two-game absence and should be in the rotation. However, with Brandon Marshall also available and Ryan Nembhard being the starting point guard, D’Lo is unlikely to get the opportunities needed to affect fantasy basketball. He should not be rostered in most leagues.

Russell was initially considered probable for Thursday night after missing the last two games, but he’s now questionable. Whether his availability affects fantasy basketball depends on Brandon Williams (Achilles), who’s also questionable. If Williams can’t play but Russell can, more rotation minutes would be available to the veteran point guard.

Russell is expected to be back after a two-game absence and will likely return to playing his typical reserve role where he sees minutes in the teens. Brandon Williams (Achilles) is questionable, so if he doesn’t play, Russell could see a bump in minutes, though it likely won’t make him worth streaming.

Russell did not play in Friday’s win over the Nets and will miss a second straight game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as the Mavericks have relied on the combo of Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams at the point in recent games.

Added to the Mavericks’ injury report on Friday afternoon, Russell will not be available for the matchup with the Nets. His absence does not change much from a fantasy standpoint, as Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams were ahead of D’Lo in the pecking order.