The Dallas Mavericks are making strategic moves to enhance their roster, and their latest acquisition of D’Angelo Russell on a two-year deal worth $12 million is a testament to that. Following the exits of Luka Dončić and the sidelining of Kyrie Irving due to an ACL injury, the Mavericks found themselves questioning their guard depth. Russell’s deal, utilizing the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, is not only cost-effective but also crucial for addressing this gap.
Last season, the Mavericks’ backcourt took a hit after trading Dončić and losing Irving to injury. Without their star power, the team was stretched thin, even having to start Naji Marshall at point guard during the Play-In Tournament games.
Russell’s last season had its struggles, with him posting 12.6 points on a 52.2 true shooting percentage—ranking 183rd among players who averaged at least 10 points per game. Despite this, Russell’s relatively young age of 29 and his proven potential make him a valuable pickup, especially considering the budget-friendly nature of his contract.
With Irving out until 2026, Russell is viewed as a vital “bridge” player. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison acknowledges that replacing Irving is nearly impossible, but Russell offers a piece to fill the void. Although Russell struggled last season, including reduced playing time under Lakers coach JJ Redick and a subsequent trade to the Brooklyn Nets, there are reasons for optimism. Just a season prior, he recorded 18 points and 6.3 assists per game for the Lakers, hitting 226 three-pointers—the 10th-most in the league that year.
If Russell can replicate his three-point success, it’ll be a significant boon for Dallas, which attempted the fewest threes post-Dončić trade in the league. Harrison sees the potential for a faster pace and more efficient offensive production with Russell adding depth to the ballhandling duties.
However, addressing perimeter defense remains a challenge. Unlike their competitors, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder who dominated defensively, the Mavericks need to reinforce their ability to contain opponents on the outside. While Russell bolsters the offense, his presence doesn’t enhance defensive capabilities—a key area if the Mavericks are to emulate the Thunder’s championship-winning formula focused on defense, as desired by Harrison.
Russell’s previous experience alongside Anthony Davis on the Lakers could be advantageous. Their past pick-and-roll chemistry demonstrates how effective they can be when working in tandem. Russell facilitated many scoring opportunities for Davis, developing a strong bond both on and off the court.
With Cooper Flagg added through the draft and Russell’s anticipated role, the Mavericks aim to not only return to the playoffs but to make a significant postseason push. While Russell will likely begin the season as a starter, his role could shift to become a key offensive asset off the bench once Irving is back in the lineup. The stage is set for Russell to showcase his strengths and help steer the Mavericks towards a successful season.
