Big Developments in D'Angelo Russell's Future with Wizards After Trade


The Washington Wizards completely overhauled the look of their team over the past few weeks, adding an All-Star duo of Anthony Davis and Trae Young, to go with some promising young pieces in Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, and rookie Tre Johnson. 

As part of the deadline dealings, they also received veteran point guard D'Angelo Russell as part of the big Davis deal. But D-Lo's future in DC is very much up in the air. 

According to Wizards’ GM Will Dawkins, “We’ve talked with D’Angelo and his representatives; He's not going to report until we try to figure out what’s best for him and us in our future.”

D'Angelo Russell could be a buyout candidate

Translated, that means waiving him or buying him out are the most likely scenarios, as the veteran clearly does not want to report.

Russell is earning $5.7 million this season and holds a player option worth about $6 million for next year. He was a free agent signing for Dallas last summer, who were looking to add a stopgap until Kyrie Irving returned late in the season. But Russell fell out of favor with the team quickly, and averaged just 19 minutes a game, and 10 points per night, both career lows. 

Turning 30 later this month, it's not like Russell is over the hill, but he was coming off his previous career-worst season last year, split between the Lakers and Brooklyn. Now his time with the Wizards might be over before it begins.

The Wizards also waived Dante Exum, another of the four players who came in as part of that big AD trade.

Photo: © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images