The Dallas Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell hoping for a comeback story. After a tough season split between the Lakers and Nets, the 29-year-old point guard now gets another chance to prove he’s still an elite playmaker in the NBA.
What You Need to Know
- New home: Russell signed with Dallas on a 2-year, $13 million deal after leaving Brooklyn
- Tough season: He shot just 39% from the field and 31.4% from three in 2024-25
- Starting role: Expected to start at point guard while Kyrie Irving recovers
- Career stats: Averages 17.3 points and 5.7 assists over nine NBA seasons
- The upside: Playing with Luka Doncic could help Russell find open shots and better rhythm
How Russell Got to Dallas
D’Angelo Russell’s 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster. He started the year with the Lakers but lost his starting job after just 10 games. His shooting went cold, and the team struggled to find the right fit.
In December 2024, Los Angeles traded Russell to Brooklyn as part of a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith. The Lakers wanted better defense and shooting. D’Angelo Russell wanted a fresh start.
Things didn’t get much better in Brooklyn. He started 26 of 29 games but shot poorly—just 36% from the field and 29% from three. The Nets were tanking, and Russell was playing in meaningless games.
But he did have one bright moment. In February 2025, Russell hit a game-winning three-pointer with 3.4 seconds left to beat Houston 99-97. It snapped Brooklyn’s 11-game home losing streak.
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Why Dallas Made the Move
The Mavericks needed a backup point guard. They signed Russell to a team-friendly deal worth about $6.5 million per year. That’s a big pay cut from his previous contracts, but it gives him a chance to play on a contender.
Dallas sees D’Angelo Russell as someone who can create shots and run the offense when Kyrie Irving isn’t available. Irving’s injury history means the Mavericks need a reliable backup who can handle heavy minutes.
Russell will play alongside Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis (who some reports mistakenly linked to Dallas), and other talented players. That supporting cast should create open looks and easier shots for him.
“Russell should find more open looks playing alongside talented teammates. The environment is more stable now, and the supporting cast should create ample opportunities for clean shots,” wrote fantasy basketball analyst Stan Son.
What Went Wrong Last Year
Russell’s shooting percentages dropped to career lows. He made just 39% of his shots overall and 31.4% from three-point range. Those numbers are way below his career averages of 42.7% and 36.5%.
Part of the problem was his role. With the Lakers, he came off the bench most nights. In Brooklyn, he was the main option on a bad team. Neither situation worked well.
Defense has always been D’Angelo Russell weakness. The Lakers already had defensive problems, and adding Russell to the lineup made things worse. That’s why they eventually moved on from him.
The Dallas Opportunity
Fantasy basketball experts think D’Angelo Russell can bounce back. They’re drafting him around the 10th round, expecting about 30 minutes per game and improved shooting.
The key is playing with better teammates. Luka Doncic draws so much attention that Russell should get cleaner looks. He won’t have to force as many tough shots.
D’Angelo Russell is still a solid passer. He averaged 5.1 assists last season even while struggling to score. In Dallas, those passing skills become more valuable with better shooters around him.
Career Context
Russell came into the league as the second overall pick in 2015. He’s played for the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, and Timberwolves before this Dallas stint.
His best season was 2018-19 in Brooklyn, when he averaged 21.1 points and 7.0 assists and made the All-Star team. He showed he could be a go-to scorer on a playoff team.
But consistency has been his biggest issue. Some years he looks like an All-Star. Other years he shoots poorly and can’t stay healthy. Last season was definitely one of the down years.
What Comes Next
D’Angelo Russell gets a chance to rebuild his value in Dallas. If he can shoot closer to his career averages and play solid backup minutes, he’ll prove the doubters wrong.
The Mavericks need him to be ready when called upon. Whether that’s starting while Kyrie is out or coming off the bench, Russell has to deliver.
At 29 years old, this might be his last shot at a major role on a contender. Dallas is betting he still has something left to give.
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