**BREAKING: D’Angelo Russell Agrees on a Two-Year, $13M Deal with the Dallas Mavericks**
The NBA offseason never fails to deliver surprises, and the latest bombshell comes in the form of D’Angelo Russell’s decision to join the Dallas Mavericks on a two-year, $13 million deal. The move, which was confirmed by league sources, sends shockwaves through the Western Conference and adds another dynamic playmaker to an already stacked Mavericks roster. For Russell, this represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove himself as a key contributor on a championship-contending team. For Dallas, it’s a low-risk, high-reward acquisition that could pay dividends in their pursuit of an NBA title.
Russell’s journey through the NBA has been anything but linear. Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015, he was expected to be the franchise’s next great guard. However, his tenure in L.A. was marred by inconsistency and off-court drama, leading to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017. It was in Brooklyn where Russell truly began to flourish, earning his first All-Star selection in 2019 while leading the Nets to an unexpected playoff berth. His resurgence earned him a lucrative max contract with the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal, but his time in the Bay Area was short-lived, as he was shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves midway through the season.
In Minnesota, Russell reunited with his close friend Karl-Anthony Towns, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent play kept him from reaching his full potential. A midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 marked a homecoming of sorts, but his second stint with the purple and gold was underwhelming. Despite moments of strong play, he struggled to find a consistent role in Darvin Ham’s system, particularly in the playoffs, where his minutes fluctuated. Now, with this new deal in Dallas, Russell has a chance to redefine his career once again.
For the Mavericks, signing Russell at this price is an absolute steal. At just $6.5 million per year, they’re getting a proven scorer and playmaker who can take pressure off Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. While Russell may not be the defensive stalwart some fans would prefer, his offensive skill set is undeniable. He’s a career 36% three-point shooter with the ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others. In Dallas, he won’t be asked to carry the offensive load—instead, he’ll serve as a high-end third option who can explode for 20+ points on any given night.
The fit alongside Dončić and Irving is particularly intriguing. Russell’s ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a versatile backcourt piece. He can run the offense when Luka or Kyrie are resting, and he’s more than capable of spotting up as a catch-and-shoot threat when playing alongside them. His experience playing in high-pressure situations—both in the playoffs and as a former All-Star—adds a layer of veteran savvy to a Mavericks team that is clearly in win-now mode.
Financially, this deal is a masterstroke by Dallas’ front office. With the new CBA imposing stricter financial penalties on high-spending teams, securing a player of Russell’s caliber for just $13 million over two years allows the Mavericks to maintain flexibility while still adding talent. It’s a stark contrast to the massive contracts being handed out this summer, and it positions Dallas as one of the shrewdest operators in free agency.
Of course, there are questions about how Russell will adapt to his new role. He’s never been known as an elite defender, and the Mavericks will need him to at least hold his own on that end of the floor. Head coach Jason Kidd will likely employ schemes to hide Russell’s defensive limitations, much like he’s done with other offensive-minded guards in the past. If Russell buys into the system and commits to competing on both ends, he could become an invaluable piece for Dallas.
Another factor to consider is Russell’s playoff performance. Throughout his career, he’s had ups and downs in the postseason, with some critics pointing to his lack of efficiency in high-stakes games. However, playing alongside two of the best closers in the game in Dončić and Irving could alleviate some of that pressure. Russell won’t need to be *the* guy in Dallas—he just needs to be *a* guy who can step up when called upon.
From a league-wide perspective, this signing shakes up the Western Conference even further. The Mavericks were already a dangerous team after acquiring Kyrie Irving last season, but adding Russell gives them another offensive weapon to deploy against elite defenses. In a conference loaded with superteams—Denver, Phoenix, Golden State, and the Lakers, to name a few—Dallas is making it clear that they’re not backing down from the arms race.
For Russell, this is a chance to rewrite his narrative. Once considered a future superstar, his career has been marked by unrealized potential and frequent team changes. Now, at 28 years old, he’s entering what should be the prime of his career. If he can find stability in Dallas and contribute to a deep playoff run, he could silence the doubters and re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier guards.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, continue to build around Luka Dončić with a clear vision. After years of struggling to find him the right co-stars, they’ve now assembled a roster that blends star power, depth, and versatility. Russell’s arrival only strengthens their case as legitimate title contenders.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see how this new-look roster meshes. If everything clicks, the Mavericks could be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy next June. And if D’Angelo Russell plays a pivotal role in that journey, this $13 million deal will go down as one of the biggest bargains in recent NBA history.
The countdown to opening night just got a whole lot more interesting.
